"BUTTERFLIES OF ISRAEL" SERIES SET
Israel's location at the meeting point of three zoological regions creates a rich wildlife, which includes butterflies. There are about 140 different kinds of butterflies in Israel from Eilat in the south to the Hermon in the north. Butterflies lay their eggs on host plants which are to ensure food for the lavae and the continuity of the generations. The life cycle of butterflies is an amazing phenomenon of nature.
Butterflies have come to be a symbol of beauty and liberty. Their alluring colors and beauty together with their graceful movements create inspiration for artists.
Israel Coins and Medals Corp. proudly presents eight beautiful butterflies of Israel in full color on pure silver, half-ounce, 50mm diameter. We welcome you to join us in a unique visit to the wonderful world of butterflies!
Plain Tiger (Danaus chrysippus) - First in the "Butterflies of Israel" Series
The Plain Tiger butterfly is common in Israel throughout the year, particularly in the warm, moist areas around the Dead Sea. In summer, it migrates northwards and its mass migration in the Agamon Hula Nature Park in the north of Israel is an amazing sight. A big butterfly with an 8-centimeter wingspan, it has bright orange and yellow-colored wings, decorated with white-spotted black borders. The female deposits its eggs on the leaves of milkweeds, its host plant.
Common Blue (Polyommatus icarus) - Second in the "Butterflies of Israel" Series
The Common Blue is a small butterfly with a 3.5 centimeter wingspan, common in temperate regions. In Israel it is found near to the Mediterranean from March to November. The male is blue-colored, while the colors of the female are more brownish. The male guards its territory, driving away intruders. The female deposits its eggs on leaves of a large genus of perennial herbs known as Ononis.
Lesser Fiery Copper (Lycaena thersamon) - Third in the "Butterflies of Israel" Series
The Lesser Fiery Copper is one of the most beautiful fiery-colored butterflies in Israel. A small butterfly with a 3cm wingspan, it is found throughout the year except in winter, in the area close to the Mediterranean and southwards as far as the Negev Desert.
Lesser Spotted Fritillary (Melitaea trivia syriaca) - Fourth in the "Butterflies of Israel" Series
With its 3.5cm wingspan, black-spotted orange wings, the Lesser Spotted Fritillary butterfly is found in Israel from March to November. In warmer areas, it produces a number of generations in a year, in cooler areas, only one.
Long-Tailed Blue (Lampides boeticus) - Fifth in the "Butterflies of Israel" Series
The Long-Tailed Blue butterfly is outstanding for its beautiful blue color. Common in Israel throughout most of the year and in most areas, its wingspan measures 3.5 cm. The male guards the territory and drives away any intruders.
Swallowtail (Papilio machaon) - Sixth in the "Butterflies of Israel" Series
The Swallowtail is an attractively colored big butterfly. It belongs to a family that includes some of the most beautiful butterflies of the world. Its name is derived from its long back wings that are tail-shaped. Common in Israel, particularly in more hilly regions from March to November, it has an 8cm wingspan and is capable of raising 5 generations in a year.
Painted Lady (Vanessa cardui) - Seventh in the "Butterflies of Israel" Series
The pretty Painted Lady Butterfly has an excellent migratory ability and for this reason is one of the most common butterflies of the world. Flexible in its choice of host plants and with larvae able to defend themselves well against enemies, it is able to produce several generations in a year.
Levantine Marbled White (Melanargia titea) - Eighth in the "Butterflies of Israel" Series
The Levantine Marbled White butterfly is common only in the Mediterranean region, from south Turkey to Israel. In Israel, it is found in the area close to the Mediterranean Sea from April to June.
Description
Face: A beautiful butterfly depiction in full color on a background of flowers. Around the border, the name of the butterfly in English and Hebrew. To the right, the Holy Land Mint trademark , below the weight, metal fineness and mint year.
Common Reverse: A variety of butterflies fluttering around flowers.
JEWELRY CARE GUIDE
Gold Jewelry
Over time, elements such as dust, perspiration, and cosmetic products can cause harm to the quality of gold jewelry and diminish its luster. Although gold tends to not tarnish in the same way as silver, lower carat gold jewelry such as 9k and 14k will typically tarnish over time, especially if the jewelry comes into regular contact with chlorine, sulfur, perspiration and other acids. This can be amended by utilizing a soft polishing cloth to both clean and shine the gold jewelry. In the case of heavy tarnishing, gold jewelry should be taken to a professional jeweler for treatment.
Silver Jewelry
Silver jewelry tends to tarnish over time, as silver oxidizes when it comes into contact with oxygen in the air, high humidity, and body acidity. Tarnishing is to be expected with silver jewelry and is not a detect, however proper care and upkeep is key to maintaining and regaining silver the original luster of silver jewelry pieces.
Proper Storage
Silver jewelry should be kept in a closed container, minimizing the exposure to the air.
Proper Care
To avoid tarnishing, remove silver jewelry (rings primarily) before coming into contact with dishwashing soap and other similar solutions, including cosmetic products such as creams and lotions, as well as perfumes. Due to the makeup, perfumes can damage gemstones such as pearls and Roman Glass, as well as tarnish jewelry. Silver jewelry should also be removed before going into the ocean, pool, jacuzzi or spas that contain chlorine or sulfur. Many take added precautions and avoid wearing silver jewelry while bathing and remove pieces while sleeping to limit exposure to the elements.
How to Treat Tarnished Silver Jewelry with a Cleaning Cloth
The simplest and most common method is to polish with a silver cleaning cloth, an inexpensive and effective solution. If the cleaning cloth is stored properly after each use, it will remain in good condition for many polishings and can be used regularly.
When using a cleaning cloth, simply hold the jewelry piece in one hand and gently polish with the other. Apply minimal pressure and continue applying pressure while cleaning until the silver returns to its original luster.
The Original, Traditional DIY Cleaning Method
Always effective and safe for silver jewelry. Always clean with care and dry all jewelry thoroughly after each cleaning. Do not use these solutions with gemstones.
- Toothpaste - In the same way you use toothpaste to brush your teeth, toothpaste is safe to use to clean dirt and debris from silver jewelry pieces.
- Dishwashing Soap - Immerse the jewelry pieces in water mixed with dishwashing soap. Allow the pieces to soak for a few minutes, remove and dry thoroughly.
- Baking Soda & Aluminum Foil - Bring together one liter of water, one tablespoon of baking soda, and a single piece of aluminum foil. Drop silver jewelry into the solution for 10-15 seconds, then remove (carefully) and dry thoroughly.
Gold Plated Silver Jewelry
Gold plated jewelry consists of a thin layer of gold, 0.05% actual gold or less, that coats the base layer of silver. Gold plated jewelry should be treated and cared for in the same way as silver jewelry, avoiding exposure to harmful elements and solutions.
Jewelry with Gemstones
Caring for silver and gold jewelry with gemstones requires added care, as gemstones are natural stones made of varying hardnesses and are liable to break or chip if not carefully handled. Jewelry with gemstones should be treated and cared for in the same way as all silver and gold jewelry, avoiding exposure to harmful elements and solutions. Exposure may cause harm and alter the colors of the gemstones, so added precaution to remove these jewelry pieces before certain activities is important.
As different gemstones have different physical properties, identifying your gemstone is critical before cleaning as they can react very differently to heat, light, acids and scratching. For a deep cleaning, jewelry with gemstones should be taken to a professional jeweler for treatment.
Jewelry with Ancient Coins
Over hundreds of years, throughout the different periods in the Land of Israel, metallic coins were struck by the various rulers and served as circulation coins. These ancient coins have been unearthed during archaeological excavations in Israel and dated to around 3,000 years or more ago. The coins were struck during the period from the second century BCE to the second century CE. Remaining in the depths of the earth for very many years, these coins became coated with a patina, the result of reactions to chemical compounds deep in the earth.
The ancient coins mounted in our jewelry, as well as those actually sold as ancient coins, were found in archaeological diggings in Israel and are sold by license granted by the Israel Antiquities Authority to Israel Coins and Medals Corp., in the G.R.A.S group.
Exposing the coins to water (showering, bathing in the sea, pool, high body acidity) will cause tarnishing and loss of their natural patina. Details on the coins are also liable to be rubbed away by water and a damaged coin cannot be restored or repaired.
Our Ancient Coin Jewelry has been meticulously designed and handcrafted. Each piece is absolutely unique for no one coin is exactly the same as another. Each jewelry piece deserves special attention and special care when worn.
