April 17th marks International Bat Appreciation Day, a celebration of our favorite nocturnal winged wonders. It's also an opportunity to raise awareness of the importance of bats in our ecosystems, including the crucial roles they play, such as pollinating plants, dispersing seeds and controlling insect populations. In fact, bats can eat up to 1,000 mosquitoes in an hour! April is also when bats begin to emerge from hibernation, making this the best time of the year to observe them in the wild.

Alchemy England has a long tradition in handcrafted bat themed jewelry and accessories, in addition to a unique line of homeware. Expertly crafted by hand using fine English pewter, the Descending Darkness Necklace is an incredible piece of jewelry that embodies the spirit of the nocturnal bat and transforms the neckline of the wearer into a canvas of artistry. The lifelike details and striking design capture the essence of these mysterious night creatures, making it a perfect choice for those who dare to stand out.

You're also invited to embrace the enchanting allure of the night with Alchemy England's captivating Phul Moon Bat Masque Ornament. Crafted from a high-quality resin and painted by hand, this ornament is the perfect addition for lovers of all things nocturnal, beautifully capturing the essence of the night sky and featuring a detailed full moon that serves as a striking backdrop for a soaring bat. This piece can not only be displayed on its stand but can also be removed from the stand and proudly hung on your wall.

Invoked by devotion and conjured from the Temple of Isis, another Alchemy England bestseller is the stunning Lunaeca Necklace. Hanging from an adjustable trace chain, this bat shaped necklace features cut out phases of the moon, in addition to a mirror center piece. For those who love their gothic home decor, there's a matching Lunaeca Tea Light Holder, which is designed to cast shadows of the moon phases around your dark abode. Two enchanting pieces that are guaranteed to fill the heart of any bat lover.

"Silent sentinel delighting in night. Flying on the border between one world and the next. Be it bird or beast at dusk or dawn, forever unseen at the dark of the moon". So goes the story that lies behind Alchemy England's Vespertilio Candlestick Holder, a dark and dramatic item to bestow upon your dining table, boudoir or altar. Indeed, this is one design in a collection of four, that includes the the cat themed Faust's Familiar Candlestick Holder, the Owl of Astrontiel Candlestick Holder and Poe's Raven Candle Stick Holder.

Undoubtedly, one of the most dramatic pieces in Alchemy England's collection is the Blood Moon Pendant. An adornment fit for a vampire king or queen, this sinister looking pendant hangs from a trace chain and features a translucent blood red enamel moon surrounded by a cloud of flying bats, crafted in fine English pewter. To complete the look, combine the Blood Moon Pendant with Alchemy England's Empyrean Tear Earrings. These Austrian embellished dropper earrings feature ruby red droplets, as though lingering from a midnight feed.

International Bat Appreciation Day is a great way to appreciate the ecological benefits of bats and to help reduce the negative stigma they often face. There are lots of things you can do to observe the day and spread awareness. including using the #BatAppreciationDay hashtag on social media to share interesting facts and dispel myths about bats. Wearing Alchemy England bat jewelry and accessories is another fantastic way to reflect the deeper, symbolic connections that we feel towards these enigmatic creatures.

Explore more bat jewelry and homeware on our Bat Appreciation Day page »