A Little More Detail…

Out of Circulation Pound Tree of Life

Tree of Life Necklace in Recycled British Pound Coin

Some materials arrive already complete.

The Out of Circulation Pound Tree of Life necklace is made from an original British one‑pound coin that has passed beyond use as currency. Rather than being melted down and reduced to raw metal, the coin is carefully reworked by hand — preserving its edge, date, and history while giving it a new purpose.

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The Coin

This piece begins with a British one‑pound coin now withdrawn from circulation.

Once an object of everyday exchange, the coin carries softened edges, small marks, and the quiet authority of long use. Its milled edge and stamped date are retained, anchoring the necklace firmly in its origin.

The transformation does not erase value — it changes how value is held.

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The Tree of Life

Cut from the centre of the coin is the Tree of Life.

Roots, trunk, and branches rise as a single form, filling the circular frame without excess. Leaves spread outward, creating balance and movement within the coin’s boundary.

Across cultures, the Tree of Life represents connection, endurance, and continuity — growth grounded in what came before. Here it feels neither symbolic nor decorative, but living and present.

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Too Good to Melt

Pound coins like this are routinely removed from use and melted for reclamation.

This necklace stands as an alternative to that process. The coin is treated as something already complete — too characterful, too familiar, and too well made to be reduced to anonymous metal.

By preserving the coin’s form, the piece carries forward both material and memory.

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Made by Hand

The Tree of Life is saw‑pierced by hand directly from the original coin.

The cut follows the natural rhythm of the design, working around existing marks and details rather than against them. Edges are refined carefully, while the coin’s outer surface is left intact.

Each pendant carries small variations shaped by the original coin and the decisions made at the bench.

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Wear & Patina

As a recycled silver piece, the necklace will continue to develop patina through wear.

Highlights soften, shadows deepen, and the pendant records use rather than resisting it. This gradual change adds individuality and reinforces the sense that the piece is meant to be worn, not preserved untouched.

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Meaning & Wearing

The Out of Circulation Pound Tree of Life speaks of continuity and renewal.

It suits those drawn to symbolism rooted in nature, recycled materials, and objects that carry visible history. Meaning is not fixed — it develops over time, shaped by the wearer’s own journey.

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Details

• Recycled British one‑pound coin (out of circulation)
• Hand cut Tree of Life design
• Original coin edge and date retained
• Traditional saw‑pierced construction
• Individually finished by hand
• Designed and made in the UK

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Value Reimagined

The Out of Circulation Pound Tree of Life necklace is not a novelty.

It is an object of continuation — a familiar coin given a second life, carrying its past forward rather than erasing it.

To explore more reclaimed silver jewellery, traditional making, and symbolism, visit Our Craft & Inspiration.

 

This beautiful little tree of life coin pendant has been lovingly hand-cut with enormous care from an original ‘out of circulation’ bronze pound coin. Inspired by the trees that encapsulate and capture our lives, family and togetherness, each pendant is carefully handcrafted to order, using only these recycled ‘out of circulation’ pound coins. The coins themselves are the perfect medium for this beautiful design, and combine both nature’s beauty, and the ethically green process of recycling unusable currency. Instead of destructively mining new metals from our environment, these old and uncollectible coins are saved from the melting pot so their history can continue.

Firstly, the design is sketched, freehand, onto the coin. Then, the design is hand-cut and carved using traditional hand-saws, chisels, and files. The traditional process allows me to have a close connection to each piece, which in turn ensures that the end result is personal and unique, as well as reaching the high standard of art that I hold myself to.  As part of my Tree of Life design the tree root breaks the edge of the coin this symbolically signifies the strength of our roots breaking the temporal events of the world today.  Our family connections that withstand the pulls and pushes of the world.

Each piece is handmade and recycled in Cambridge, England.

If the option is preferable, I also have a couple of solid silver proof pound coins which can be requested and used to create this tree of life necklace.

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.