The day of the dead.

The day of the dead.

The day of the dead.

Day of the dead jewellery – handmade and recycled silver sixpence coin

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 recycle silver sixpence coin!
It is difficult to cut and engrave because it is a tough metal and the space is small at only 16 mm diameter working area. Each one of these pendants is handmade from a silver sixpence coin. Using a marker pen a quick inspired sketch is dropped on to the surface of the silver sixpence. 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.

Handcrafted and recycled in Cambridge, UK.

Size : Approx 19 mm diameter

£243

(13 customer reviews)

Choose your Calaca ! *

Engrave initials

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

The day of the dead.

Day of the dead jewellery – handmade and recycled silver sixpence coin

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 recycle silver sixpence coin!
It is difficult to cut and engrave because it is a tough metal and the space is small at only 16 mm diameter working area. Each one of these pendants is handmade from a silver sixpence coin. Using a marker pen a quick inspired sketch is dropped on to the surface of the silver sixpence. 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.

Handcrafted and recycled in Cambridge, UK.

Size : Approx 19 mm diameter

13 reviews for The day of the dead.

  1. Cher

    In Love With Hairy Growler

    This is the first piece i ever seen of hairy growlers work, it was on facebook and could not believe how amazing it was! finally someone who makes my style of jewellery! ive been hoping and hoping for this necklace for many months but pennies are tight! the craft man ship that goes into the work is unbelievable and the detail is amazing. Im hoping and hoping i find this under the christmas tree this year! amazing work x

  2. Saszy

    Gorgeous

    This is a beautiful intricate design enhanced by the clasp and star which look great when worn next to the skull! Extra special way of reusing a coin

  3. Ellie

    In Love!

    I was lucky enough to receive this necklace as my 21st birthday gift (after much hinting) and i’m complete in love with it. I love the size. I love the design. I love the detail. And I love the clasp! It’s definitely my favourite necklace I own.

    Cannot wait to add to my Hairy Growler collection!

    Thank you for your amazing work!

  4. Tracii

    you see in my head!

    If I had the gift of words to say my ideal necklace that id never take off ……you have designed and made it. I completely love it and cant believe you never made it from my design in my head! Amazing work! X

  5. Ellie

    In Love!

    I was lucky enough to receive this necklace as my 21st birthday gift ( after much hinting ) and i’m completely in love with it. I love the detail. I love the design. I love the size. And I love the clasp!

    Hoping to add to my Hairy Growler collection soon!

    Thank you for your amazing work!

  6. HAzman

    Dreams may come true….

    This is a beautiful piece and I wish that I had this.
    I will be saving for this.
    #Truelybeautiful

  7. PixieLove

    SUGARBEAUTY

    I love everything about Sugar Skulls and you have represented them perfectly! I want!!

  8. vasilisa

    sugar skull!!

    AMAZING!! keep the creative juices flowing!!

  9. Janae

    One of my Favorites!

    I absolutely love Sugar Skulls! One of my favorite pieces of yours. I hope to own it some day! LOVE LOVE LOVE!!!! <3

  10. Lynne

    Beautiful

    Ordered this necklace for my son for his wife’s 30th birthday, she absolutely loved it, beautifully done. Second item have ordered and have had nothing but First class service and jewelry. Thank you for 5***** service. Highly recommend.

  11. Vee

    Wonderful….

    My family bought me a “Mr and Mrs day of the dead” made into earrings for a special birthday….. and I love them so much , something I’ll treasure forever. ❤❤❤

  12. Suzanne

    A perfect gift!

    I ordered the Day of the Dead necklace for my husbands birthday, I had left it a little late however Hairy Growler were brilliant and made sure I got the piece in time! It did not disappoint, it was beautifully made and my husband really liked it. Chain length 22″ was also perfect as I find some mens jewellery can be a bit tight. This fitted him perfectly.
    Absolutely loved it and would highly recommend for fantastic service and beautifully crafted and personal gifts. The choice of designs is also great. Thanks Hairy Growler!

  13. Virginia Wallerstedt (verified owner)

    I absolutely love this piece. Les’s work is delicate here yet sturdy, and Mrs. Dia de Muertos is exactly what I was hoping for. Not only do I love the piece, but Les got it to me in time for my 11th wedding anniversary…Nov. 1, the start of season when we remember and celebrate our beloved departed. I so appreciate his gorgeous work and wonderful customer service. I am repeat customer and plan to keep coming back!

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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.