The day of the dead.

The day of the dead.

Recycled 200 year old silver shilling “A calaca is a figure of a skull or skeleton (usually human) commonly used for decoration during the Mexican Day of the Dead festival, although they are made all year round. Calacas used in the festival include carved skull masks worn by revelers, small figures made out of carved wood or fired clay, and sweet treats in the form of skulls or skeletons. Calacas are sometimes made of wood, stone, or even candy. In this case a recycled silver sixpence” – The Growler

£369

Choose your Calaca ! *

no necklace or cord thank you. £0 Finesse Silver chain 16 inch +£36 Flourish Silver chain 16 inch +£52 Omnia Silver chain 16 inch +£80 Finesse Silver chain 17 inch +£38 Flourish Silver chain 17 inch +£55 Omnia Silver chain 17 inch +£84 Finesse Silver chain 18 inch +£40 Flourish Silver chain 18 inch +£57 Omnia Silver chain 18 inch +£88 Finesse Silver chain 21 inch +£46 Flourish Silver chain 21 inch +£67 Omnia Silver chain 21 inch +£108 Finesse Silver chain 24 inch +£52 Flourish Silver chain 24 inch +£76 Omnia Silver chain 24 inch +£126 Finesse Silver chain 32 inch +£68 Flourish Silver chain 32 inch +£100 Omnia Silver chain 32 inch +£156 Black Adjustable length braided cotton neck cord £0 Choco Adjustable braided cotton neckcord £0 Zesty Green Adjustable braided cotton neckcord £0 Red adjustable braided cotton neckcord £0 Yellow Adjustable braided cotton neckcord £0
No charm thank you £0 Star +£3 Heart +£4 Moon +£5 Acorn +£12 Oak leaf +£16 Feather +£20 Paw print +£20 Lucky +£20
No charm thank you £0 Silver +£3 Golden bronze £0 Reddish copper £0

Recycled 200 year old silver shilling
Day of the Dead (Spanish: Día de Muertos) is an ancient Aztec celebration some believe dates back over 3000 years. Today it is a fabulous Mexican holiday celebrated throughout Mexico and around the world in other cultures. The holiday focuses on gatherings of family and friends to pray for and remember friends and family members who have died.

A calaca is a figure of a skull or skeleton (usually human) commonly used for decoration during the Mexican Day of the Dead festival, although they are made all year round. Tracing their origins from Aztec imagery, calacas are frequently shown with marigold flowers and foliage. As with other aspects of the Day of the Dead festival, calacas are generally depicted as joyous rather than mournful figures. They are often shown wearing festive clothing, dancing, and playing musical instruments to indicate a happy afterlife. This draws on the Mexican belief that no dead soul likes to be thought of sadly, and that death should be a joyous occasion. This goes back to Aztec beliefs, one of the few traditions to remain after the Spanish conquest.

Calacas used in the festival include carved skull masks worn by revelers, small figures made out of carved wood or fired clay, and sweet treats in the form of skulls or skeletons. Calacas are sometimes made of wood, stone, or even candy. In this case a recycled almost 200 year old silver shilling coin!

It is difficult to cut and engrave because it is a tough metal and the space is small at only 24 mm diameter working area. Each one of these pendants is handmade from a silver shilling coin. Using a marker pen a quick inspired sketch is dropped on to the surface of the silver shilling. I then meticulously carve away the design with a traditional hand engraving tool and cut details using a traditional jewellers saw. Once the details are cut the pendant is given an extremely bright polishing which really brings the coin to life.

As I handcut each coin individually to order every one is completely unique and unusual. They look and feel special.  The centre of the flower is a piece of 24ct gold inlaid into the silver. Handmade and recycled in Cambridge, England.

Handcrafted and recycled in Cambridge, UK.

Size : Approx 24 mm diameter

Reviews

There are no reviews yet.

Only logged in customers who have purchased this product may leave a review.

NECKLACE INFORMATION

Many of the necklace / pendant designs are complete. These designs have a sterling silver chain attached to the pendant from both sides. This design is perfect for looking in a mirror to fasten the necklace. It also makes a fabulous feature of the handmade hook catch (and star if chosen).  The necklace length you choose includes the length of the actual pendant. Do not worry about the pendant dimensions we will take care of your order. Order the necklace length you would normally wear and the necklace you receive will sit in the perfect position..

 

BRACELET INFORMATION

Extra small : approx 170 mm

Small size : approx 185 mm

Medium size : approx 195 mm

Large size : approx 210 mm (good size if you want a looser dangly medium fit)

XL size approx 225 mm (includes an extra link; i.e. another lovely flower, butterfly, bird, etc section custom made)

XXL size approx 250 mm ((includes an extra two links; i.e. another couple of lovely flower, butterfly, bird, etc sections custom made)

Ring Sizes.

A local jeweller will happily provide you the ring size you require for the desired finger you wish to adorn! Its a quick, easy, simple process we all offer!However if you are buying a surprise gift please fee free to download this simple ring size guide to help.

Silver Chain lengths size guide

Silver chain lengths are many and various.  Mostly it comes down to two factors your size and individual style.  These will determine whats going to suit you at the times you are wearing it.  Click the link to see a guide of the most popular sizes and how they look, comparatively.