The campfire flickers in the deepest night
Sparks fly up to paint the sky with splashes of flame
The cold dark yawns above the tree branches
Threatening to swallow the small patch of light whole
The moon is a glinting eye, silver and all-seeing.
In the brambles, a gentle badger creeps
Paws silent against dead leaves
The damp earth a rich brown coating over stone and root
Albion’s spirit soars high over the woods,
Uncaged for that cold, still moment.
Brief Summary…
- Recycled silver Victorian shilling
- Hand carved and engraved
- Unique three earring set to give you options
- Hand cut from the shilling with traditional jewellers piercing saw.
- Hairy Growler sterling silver ear posts and backs
- Size : 13mm
- Symbolism : transformation, beauty, grace, resilience, purity
- Handcrafted & Recycled in Cambridge
- made with Love
A little more detail…
Badger and Moon earrings – handmade and recycled sterling silver shilling coin.
I recycled these little badger and moon stud earrings from an English sterling silver shilling coin. These coins are unwanted by coin collectors due to wear marks from being used to buy and sell over one hundred years ago. Rather than let them be melted down for the silver, I transform them into something desirable. By doing this, I help retain the historical details and the original aesthetic is maintained.
I individually hand cut, carve and engrave the badgers and the moon from a silver shilling with a traditional jewellers hand tools. The unusual triplet of earrings allows you to wear a traditional pair, or asymmetrical variation of badger and moon. It also means you have a spare in case the worst occurs!
Each set is completely unique, contemporary, ethical and beautiful. They are presented complete with a sterling silver ‘off-cut’. This demonstrates the origins of the badgers and connects them to their unique, recycled material history. Alternatively, you can check out some Raven Moon stud earrings, or branch out with some Rowan leaf stud earrings. sizes approx : 13mm * 13 mm
Across different cultures and traditions, the badger has evoked a rich tapestry of symbolic meanings that find expression in poetry and literature.
As a source of creative inspiration the badger is a wonderful British creature.
Strength and Tenacity: Badgers, though seemingly unassuming, are powerful creatures known for their digging prowess and fierce defense when challenged. This translates into poetic symbolism of unwavering determination, the ability to overcome obstacles, and stubborn resistance against adversity.
Connection to the Earth and Grounding: Their burrowing habits and nocturnal nature deeply link badgers to the earth and the underground world. They can represent a call to connect with nature, find stability, and establish strong foundations in life.
Solitude and Self-Reliance: Badgers are often solitary animals, preferring their own company and relying on their instincts for survival. This can symbolize independence, self-sufficiency, and the importance of trusting one’s own path.
Protection and Defense: When threatened, badgers are known for their strong defensive capabilities. Poetically, this can represent the courage to stand up for oneself and loved ones, to protect what is cherished, and set clear boundaries.
Celtic mythology: Badgers were revered for their wisdom and associated with protection, linked to their nocturnal habits and tenacity. In Welsh tales, they could serve as companions and guides in shamanic journeys. The Goddess Brigantia, linked to the Celtic festival of Imbolc, held the badger as a sacred animal, symbolizing new life emerging from the earth in spring.
Native American beliefs: Many tribes viewed badgers as embodying resilience, healing abilities, and warrior spirit. They were seen as protectors of medicinal plant roots due to their digging, and their tracks were considered a sign of good luck.
Japanese folklore: Badgers (mujina) are often portrayed as mischievous shapeshifters capable of tricking humans or acting as benevolent benefactors. The tale of the “Badger’s Money” illustrates the badger’s gratitude and willingness to work honestly to repay kindness.
British folklore and literature: Badgers have inspired more British place names than any other animal. They are often depicted as wise and benevolent characters in British children’s literature, such as Kenneth Grahame’s The Wind in the Willows, where Badger is a respected elder and mentor.
In my mind the badger’s resilience can inspire feelings about overcoming hardship, its connection to the earth can evoke a sense of grounding and belonging, and its solitary nature speaks to independence and self-discovery.
Deanna Nicholson (verified owner) –
The tiny details on their fur and little faces as they gaze up to the full moon are wonderful. Everything Les makes is a work of art with a life of its own and my daughters were thrilled. Very practical too as the stud backings are very secure.