Blog
Blog
Meeting with AVES France at Barenpark
In November 2021, we went to meet our partner association AVES France. The meeting took place at Barenpark in Germany, a rehabilitation park for animals released from captivity.It was an opportunity for us to take part in the park's redevelopment work on a voluntary basis, and discover the bears, wolves and lynxes that are protected there. We were also able to ask Christophe, President of AVES, a few questions to find out more about the association and its actions. A meeting rich in emotion.
Our jewelry has been copied.
When we launched Fauna and our first collection, we used generic, royalty-free animal designs. We couldn't afford to pay a designer to create unique designs. That's why you can find the jewelry designs from this first collection on other sites as paintings or sometimes as necklaces.In January 2021, for the creation of our new collection made in France, we worked on new designs. For this, we collaborated with a talented illustrator by the name of Laura. For 2 months, we designed them, together, and exchanged with us and our most loyal community to create designs that please and correspond to you.
Today, these designs have evolved to become the ones you know today in our new collection made in France. These designs belong to us and we registered them with the INPI on February 2, 2021.
Screenshot of some registered designs
Recently, we've been receiving messages from some of you that we're sourcing from Asian suppliers because our designs are available on one platform, at lower cost.
We want to be transparent with you.
Our jewelry is made in France. Molding, casting, polishing and plating are carried out in a family-run foundry near Marseille. We then receive them in individual parts (pattern, chains, primers) for hand-assembly, packaging and shipping, from our workshop in Montreuil.Unfortunately, for reasons of confidentiality and competition, we can't reveal the name of this foundry in Marseille. But we have proved the manufacture by presenting videos in storie of our Instagram account and our Tiktok account. There aren't many videos of manufacturing in Marseille because they want to keep the know-how they've developed and not present it to the general public and potential competitors, which is understandable. But we're going to try to organize a visit to the foundry, showing the different stages in the creation of a piece of Fauna jewelry. As for the assembly work carried out in our workshop, you're welcome to drop in and see for yourself. We even offer on-site collection of your order. Our workshop is located at 20 rue Rabelais in Montreuil. We are also in the process of applying for the Origine France label.
Some stages of creation
Misuse of the words "Fabriqué en France" is punishable by 2 years' imprisonment and a €300,000 fine. The risk involved isn't worth it, as we could be content not to indicate the country of origin if the product wasn't made in France.But French manufacturing is very important to us in order to meet our commitment to make a positive contribution to society. That's why, after our first "test" collection, we brought production back to France, despite the higher cost. Read more in this article.Despite our letters to this company, which copied our registered designs, the products have not been withdrawn from sale. Because of China's lax policy on copying, it's difficult to sue and be heard. Unfortunately, many products and brands are copied in this country. Even smaller ones, like us.
We do not force anyone to believe ourselves and to buy our products. If you wish, you can buy these copies for less on the Asian platform. You'll receive (after 15 days to 1 month) a product with a similar design, but perhaps one that doesn't meet European standards, and above all, you're not buying the whole concept and the commitments that go with it. French manufacturing. Handcrafted assembly by French employees in respectable working conditions. Support for the animal cause. Our work to reduce our carbon footprint. Our research into spirit animals. Fast shipping and delivery. Customer service. Communication to raise our profile, payment of taxes, VAT, etc. etc. All this comes at a cost, which Asian sites don't have.Two similar products can be very different. Whether it's a T-shirt, an accessory or a piece of jewelry, it's not just the price and the product itself that count, but everything that's gone into designing the product and the concept around it.So it's up to you to make your choice, and we respect everyone's choice, but we wanted to give you a few explanations in all transparency.Maori, creator of Fauna
Change in delivery rates
Dear customer,Since the launch of Fauna, we have offered delivery in France.Unfortunately, due to changes in the price of postage stamps and inflation, we are obliged to inform you that we will be charging for delivery. This change will take effect on November 8, 2021.Here are the new rates:Within France (2 to 5 days):- 1.90€ for 1 jewel purchased- Free delivery for 2 or more piecesInternational (3 to 7 days):- 3.90€ for 1 jewel purchased- Free shipping on orders of 2 or more piecesWith this new rate, we're improving our logistics. This means faster shipping and more accurate tracking. We will continue to send your products by "lettre verte".Collection from our workshop in Montreuil remains free of charge.We hope you will understand this transparent choice. Thank you for your understanding.If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.Maori, Fauna
The skate - One month, one animal
Can you hear the sound of the waves? What do you know about water?
The world of the oceans and its inhabitants
The sea is a complete universe that holds so many surprises, both in terms of its grandeur and the adventures it has given rise to over the centuries for all those who have braved it. The sea is the one that inspires so many songs, and contains species as fantastic as each other. And among these species, there's one that's often forgotten by all, but which has its importance. Its dress floats through the waters, it's the elegant fish that criss-crosses this blue universe, populating seas from Northern Europe to South Africa. More accustomed to temperatures above 20°C, the manta ray lives mainly in tropical and subtropical waters around the globe.
The Ray and its elegance
The ray is a cartilaginous fish belonging to the rajiform family. Although rare, its family comprises 36 species, which makes it unique. All skates, whatever their species, have the same base, the head and the flat fins forming this disk called the coat. The ray's finery depends on its species; some wear spines, thorns or roundels, and the patterns printed on its coat are unique to each. This is why the meaning of its totem links it to elegance. The stingray has its own unique finery, and each dress is different: colored and striped, the various and varied prints make it possible to recognize them by species. The ray is synonymous with elegance, and its spirituality and totem are identified with people of the same character trait. After all, each person has his or her own spirit animal.
Spiritual significance of the ray totem
The Stingray has a good sense of direction, enabling it to navigate the complicated emotional waters of life to emerge victorious. The meaning of "ray" speaks of sensitivity and the need to blend into one's environment to create peace and harmony. Cautious by nature, she doesn't react immediately to situations, sometimes taking a step back and not daring to commit. Protection enables her to avoid conflict, and if that fails, she remains ready to defend herself. This animal also reminds us not to overreact to our feelings. Take the time to make your mark, while maintaining balance.If elegance is your daily routine, if you know how to protect yourself and remain cautious while learning to manage your emotions with care, the stingray is for you. Think about your actions, don't rely too much on raw feelings.
The Ray, an endangered species
This magnificent ray is becoming increasingly rare, as it has a very low reproductive capacity, especially compared to other fish species. "While other fish produce hundreds of thousands of eggs, a stingray lays only ten to a hundred eggs a year. After fertilization, the females deposit their egg capsules on the seabed, where they hatch a few months later." Thus, they are vulnerable to fishing, but they are not alone since 1⁄3 of cartilaginous species fish are threatened with extinction.Reserves of skate to the west of the British Isles and also in the North Sea are already well depleted, as is that of white skate to the west of the British Isles. But the situation is easing, as more and more people become aware of this phenomenon and take action to help skates and other species. Our partner, APECS, is dedicated to rays and sharks. This association conducts scientific and educational programs to better understand and promote these often threatened species, with a view to their conservation. Too unknown, full of surprises, the kingdom of the waters eludes us, and yet there is a whole and harmonious life in this blue world.
Thereby,
And because the stingray is synonymous with elegance, we offer a refined ray bracelet made in France by talented artists.This bracelet helps to save rays, and can even give you protection if the ray looks like you (see explanation in the article).
New collection made in France
We are proud to present the new spirit animals totem jewelry collection. Made in France.
The start
When we started Fauna about 1 year ago, we wanted to manufacture in France. But after some research into French manufacturers, the minimum quantities required and the cost didn't allow us to take such a risk.So we approached international manufacturers with general pet designs. This enabled us to test our concept, without taking a big financial risk, while keeping in mind our initial objective of manufacturing in France.
Turning
8 months later and thanks to the enthusiasm and satisfaction surrounding our jewelry, we were able to approach the few French manufacturers to present our project. After travelling to the 4 corners of France and numerous negotiations, we found a partner to manufacture our jewelry. At the same time, we worked with a talented illustrator and the help of our community to create the design for our new collection.
French manufacturing
We are now proud to present the new spirit animals totem jewelry collection. These designs are our own and have been registered. All manufacturing is done in France: casting, pewter casting and plating are done by a family business near Marseille. We take care of assembly and shipping at our premises in Montreuil. Only the chains are made in Spain, as there are no longer any French manufacturers. But they are plated with gold or silver by our French manufacturer. The cords are also made in France from recycled clothing fibers and plastic by another partner in the Lot region.
Novelties
We'd like to introduce you to our new graphic identity and website, more in line with our values and mission. As you requested, a flyer describing the spirit animal is now in the parcel (in recycled paper, of course!). The jewel is placed on a paper card that has been seeded to give it a second life.We're listening to our community, and we'll be offering more new products in the near future...
Commitments
It's a source of great pride for us that, in addition to contributing to the animal cause through our awareness-raising and donations, we're also contributing to French know-how and local consumption, while respecting the planet with our eco-responsible approach (packaging, logistics...). Find out more about our commitments on this page.We hope to see you soon,Maori, Fauna founder
The wolf - One month, one animal
It's cold, the icy wind blows across the plains and mountains and nature bends under its staggering breath. Alone or in packs, the wolves run through the night, braving the natural world around them. Although wolves have been making a comeback for some time, they are rarely seen because they are fearful. Often hunted by man, the wolf has a long history of struggle and resistance. However, thanks to the 1993 Bern Convention, the wolf is now a protected species, so its history can evolve. If we think we know the wolf, we are far from imagining that it is more mysterious and complex than we can imagine. That's why Fauna would like to bring you this little focus on this mysterious and prestigious character of the forest and mountains. Wolves originally came to France from Italy. Today, even if the gray wolf is not threatened with extinction, due to its wide distribution across many territories, certain other wolf species are classified as vulnerable by the IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature), and are thus in danger of extinction in certain regions of the globe, particularly in France.
Why are wolves so endangered?
"I fought, I thought I'd won, but I'm still fighting": this is the story of the wolf, its adventure through the ages. For a long time, wolves were hunted by man in Western and Eastern Europe because they were considered dangerous. Indeed, many stories and legends led to the belief that wolves were dangerous. One of these is the story we all know and have read: "Little Red Riding Hood".But beyond that, it's important to understand that every species has its place in the world, and wolves are important, as France info tells us in its report, for 3 main reasons:
1. Ils régulent certaines espèces
Wolves regulate species which, in excess, could harm biodiversity, such as deer or wild boars. In 1995, for example, the reintroduction of the wolf in Yellowstone park thus made it possible to reduce the number of wapitis which, before, destroyed large areas of vegetation, threatening the birds and the beavers who lived there.
2. They feed the ecosystem
Wolves spread the carcasses of their prey over large areas, making it easier for eagles, lynxes, weasels, beetles and other scavengers to feed. These carcasses also benefit the soil. They provide nutrients such as nitrogen.
3. Killing pack leaders increases the risk of attack
When the wolves killed are dominant males, this can lead to the dispersal of their pack. Lone wolves must then hunt alone, and are more likely to attack domestic animals. The wolf is still considered "endangered" in several regions, such as the Alps, Scandinavia and Germany. A number of organizations are now taking action to protect them: ASPAS, FERUS, Klan du Loup and the Society for the Protection of Wolves, all of which are fighting to protect wolves in Europe, and of which Fauna is a partner. Everyone is doing their bit to help, and this involvement gives us hope.
A jewel, protection, facts, animals... Fauna's mission is to contribute to the protection of wolves while giving meaning through its spirit animal.