Spirit & Heart Oak tree

Oak tree necklace – handcrafted and recycled silver Half Crown coin

A lovely symbol of both a true love, connection with nature and family roots. The necklace symbolises this love by demonstrating an eco-conscious lifestyle filled with green ethical choices. I handcraft each sterling silver tree of life individually in Cambridge.

Using traditional jewellers hand tools, I turn a beautiful, unwanted, sterling silver pre-1919 English coin into an intricate, yet simple, tree pendant. Firstly, I flatten the coin to increase the working area. Then I sketch a rough tree design onto the surface and then etch out the design with a jewellers hand saw and hand engraving chisels. It is these processes which reveal the beautiful details.

Discarded and uncollectible by numismatists, these coins are just screaming out to be recycled. I refuse to let them be simply melted down for the silver content. I prefer to invest time into creating a piece which is beautiful and ethical. My aim is to not only create a contemporary, wearable design but also revive some of the original history. I preserve these coins for a future generation.

Each one of these trees is a complete pleasure to make, totally unique and completely individual. Once I have cut the tree away from the coin, I finish it with hand engraved bark and leaves. The Oak tree necklace also comes with a simple mounted star or heart hanging freely at the bale or ‘shepherds crook’ safety catch if silver chain option is chosen. I present the pendant complete with remaining ‘off-cut’ of the ‘donor’ silver coin Size : Approx. 35 mm * 32 mm

The oak leaf and acorn charms represent a powerful metaphor for the cyclical nature of life, potential, resilience, and the interconnectedness of existence. While the mighty oak tree represents established strength.

The acorn primarily symbolizes potential and humble beginnings, encapsulating an entire future within a small, unassuming form. The classic proverb “mighty oaks from little acorns grow” is a central poetic idea. The acorn is often used to symbolize a young person, a new idea, or a small but significant act that holds the promise of immense and lasting greatness. As the oak’s seed, the acorn represents the life-giving, fertile power of nature. It is a potent emblem of renewal, carrying the promise of spring through the dark winter.

In some traditions, the acorn is a good luck charm, symbolizing prosperity and a bright future. The ancient Celts believed that the acorn held the knowledge of the universe. A small, seemingly simple object containing profound, hidden truths.

In contrast to the acorn’s potential, the oak leaf represents a more mature stage of the cycle, focusing on the transient nature of life, connection, and legacy. A vibrant green summer leaf symbolizes vitalit and life’s full expression. The autumnal leaf, in contrast, speaks of aging, change, and the necessary act of letting go. This seasonal transformation is a powerful vision for reflecting on the entire human lifespan, from youthful energy to the wisdom of old age.

The two symbols can be used to contrast the potential within the small acorn with the vast, mature reality of the leaf-bearing tree. This evokes a sense of both the cosmic scale and the personal detail of existence. While leaves fall and rot, the resilient acorn holds the promise of the oak’s eternal strength.

• Strength and Endurance:The oak’s longevity and ability to withstand harsh weather conditions make its leaves a powerful symbol of resilience and enduring strength.
• Wisdom and Longevity:Oaks are known for their long lifespans, leading to associations with wisdom, experience, and the passage of time.
• Hospitality and Virtue: In some contexts, oak leaves are linked to hospitality and the welcoming nature of the oak tree, as well as virtues like honesty and integrity.
• Spiritual and Religious Significance:Oak trees hold sacred significance in various cultures and religions, often representing sacredness, protection, and even divinity. For example, the Celtic Druids revered the oak, and it is mentioned in both the Christian Bible and Slavic mythology.
• Personal Reflection:In a more personal context, oak leaves can symbolize a need for detailed awareness and a deeper appreciation for nuance in life, encouraging one to look closely at the details and find meaning in the ordinary