1936 The silver sixpence Tree of Life

1936 Silver Tree of life necklace – handmade, ethical, repurposed sixpence perfect 90th Birthday celebration gift

This beautiful little tree of life silver sixpence pendant has been lovingly and hand cut with enormous care from an ‘out of circulation’ 1936 silver sixpence. Inspired by the trees that encapsulate and capture out lives, family and togetherness.

Each pendant is carefully handcrafted to order, using only these recycled sixpence coins. The coins themselves are the perfect medium for this beautiful design, inline with a love of nature using these coins is the perfect ethical and green solution. No new silver is destructively ‘mined’, rather, old, uncollectible coins are saved from the ‘melting pot’ so some of their history and story live on.

The lucky sixpence tradition, where the coin is given as a symbol of good luck, has its roots in British history, particularly in wedding and Christmas traditions. Introduced in 1551 during the reign of Edward VI, the sixpence was a circulating coin for centuries. Its association with good luck is linked to various customs, including placing it in a bride’s shoe or including it in a Christmas pudding. The lucky sixpence lore has been firmly establish through many of our traditions. These traditions are part of the soul of our culture.

Origins of the Sixpence as a Lucky Charm:

Wedding Tradition:It’s common for a sixpence to be placed in a bride’s shoe to wish her good fortune. This practice is thought to have originated in the early 1600s when the Lord of the Manor presented the coin as a wedding gift, and later, it became a customary dowry gift.

Christmas Pudding Tradition:Another tradition involves placing a sixpence in the Christmas pudding before it’s cooked. The person who finds the sixpence in their portion on Christmas Day is said to have good luck for the coming year. This tradition is believed to have started during Victorian times, specifically on the Sunday before Advent, known as “Stir Up Sunday,” according to The East India Company Collections.

Fairies and the Sixpence:Some folklore suggests that fairies would reward a tidy maid or housewife by leaving a sixpence in her shoe.

The Sixpence’s History as a Coin:The sixpence was first struck in 1551, during the reign of Edward VI, and was initially a silver coin. It was a popular coin in British pre-decimal coinage for over 400 years. It was demonetized in 1980, but its legacy as a lucky charm endures.

The sixpence’s journey from a circulating coin to a symbol of good luck is a testament to its enduring presence in British culture and tradition.

Once the design has been freehand sketched on to the coin it is carefully hand cut and carved using traditional hand saws, chisels and files. This traditional process allows me to have a close connection to each piece, ensuring the end result is personal and unique. Handmade and recycled in Cambridge, England.

The Tree of Life, a powerful and enduring symbol, represents interconnectedness, growth, and the cyclical nature of existence. It embodies the harmony between the earthly and spiritual realms, with roots anchoring it to the earth and branches reaching towards the heavens. Beyond this, it also symbolizes family, ancestry, and the continuation of life through generations which makes it a perfect choice for a special birthday.

The Tree of Life’s symbolism is multifaceted and found across various cultures and spiritual traditions.

Interconnectedness:The tree’s extensive root system and branches symbolize the interconnectedness of all living things and the universe itself. It highlights how everything is linked and interdependent, and our actions have far-reaching consequences.

Growth and Development:The tree’s life cycle, from seedling to maturity, mirrors the stages of human life and personal growth. It represents the journey of learning, experiences, and the development of individuality.

Family and Ancestry:The intricate network of roots and branches can symbolize the familial bonds that connect generations. It represents the continuity of life and the enduring legacy of ancestors.

Spiritual Connection:Many cultures view the Tree of Life as a bridge between the earthly and spiritual realms, often seen as a path to the afterlife or a connection to God.

Strength and Resilience:Trees, especially strong and tall ones, embody resilience and the ability to withstand challenges. The Tree of Life symbolizes strength, endurance, and the ability to overcome adversity.

Knowledge and Enlightenment:In some traditions, the Tree of Life is associated with wisdom and enlightenment, as seen in the Buddhist concept of the Bodhi Tree.

Harmony and Balance:The Tree of Life often represents the balance between opposing forces, such as life and death, or the material and spiritual. Its enduring presence in art, literature, and spiritual practices speaks to its profound and universal appeal as a symbol of life’s fundamental truths and mysteries.

This beautiful little tree of life one pound coin pendant has been lovingly and hand cut with enormous care from an original ‘out of circulation’ pound coin. Inspired by the trees that encapsulate and capture our lives, family and togetherness.