Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
This reference document compiles verified answers to recurring inquiries across Alas 9 ventures and Alas Artistry memorial operations.
1. Specimen Ethics & Preservation
Where do the butterflies come from?
All butterflies and moths used in Alas Artistry artwork are ethically obtained from sustainable butterfly farms, conservation aviaries, and community-led breeding programs across South America, Africa, and Southeast Asia. Specimens live out their full natural adult life cycle and are collected only after natural expiration.
Are any endangered or protected species used?
No. Alas Artistry adheres strictly to CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species) and US Fish & Wildlife regulations. We never use wild-poached, endangered, or threatened insect species.
How long do the framed specimens last?
Because our tributes utilize 100% acid-free museum rag matting, sealed conservation moisture barriers, and 99% UV-filtering museum glass, specimens are preserved indefinitely as multi-generational family heirlooms. Displaying away from direct sunlight and excessive humidity ensures decades of color retention.
2. Orders, Customization & Delivery
What is the standard turnaround time?
Physical tributes typically take 3 to 5 business days from order confirmation to dispatch. Custom heirloom studio commissions or rare specimen curations require 4 to 8 weeks.
Can an order be gifted to someone grieving?
Yes. Our customer care team handles memorial gifting with utmost discretion and sensitivity. We coordinate shipping dates and presentation packaging carefully to ensure the recipient receives the gift with warmth and peace.
Can an event booking or memorial tribute date be rescheduled?
Yes. With a minimum of 45 days' advance written notice, event tribute dates may be rescheduled up to two times without penalty. Rescheduling requests inside 45 days may incur costs for reserved or perishable materials.
3. Alas Stories & Augmented Reality
Do recipients need to download an application from an app store?
No. Alas Stories runs entirely in the mobile web browser (Safari or Chrome) using WebGL and Three.js. Scanning the brass identifier QR plate instantly launches the AR camera viewer.
What kind of media can be preserved in the tribute?
Depending on the selected tribute tier, families can preserve high-resolution photos, written eulogies and quotes, recorded voice memos, and video memorials.
What happens to the digital memories over time?
Alas Stories guarantees perpetual cloud archive hosting with multi-region redundancy. Memories remain securely preserved and accessible whenever the physical artwork is viewed.