Brief Summary…
- Recycled silver Florin coin circa Victorian era
- Meticulously hand cut, carved and engraved
- Made using only traditional hand tools and techniques
- Options of Silver or Gold, Owl or Owl with Moon.
- Necklace chain included, various length options
- Optional free engraved details on reverse
- Optional Gold, Silver, Copper or Bonze wee charms
- Hairy Growler Shepherd’s Crook Necklace Catch: Sterling Silver
- Size : Approx 40mm * 10mm
- Symbolism – Mystery, Wisdom Intuition & Protection.
- Handcrafted & Recycled in Cambridge
A little more detail…
Owl & Moon Necklace in Recycled British Silver (1900 Two Shilling Coin)
Some creatures belong to the hours when the world quietens.
GilliHowlet is an owl and moon necklace handmade from a worn 1900 British two shilling coin, recycled and reworked by hand. Too softened by time for circulation, and too characterful to be melted down, the coin becomes the source of a nocturnal form — watchful, balanced, and quietly alive.
The Coin
This piece begins with an original 1900 British two shilling coin.
More than a century of handling has left its surface softened and expressive, carrying the marks of long use. Rather than erasing that history, the silver is cut and shaped in a way that allows its age to remain present — visible in tone, edge, and weight.
The transformation preserves value by changing purpose, not material.
The Owl
At the centre of the necklace is a barn owl in flight, wings fully extended.
Owls have long been associated with awareness, intuition, and the ability to see clearly in low light. This owl is not perched or decorative — it moves outward, balanced and alert, holding the space between motion and stillness.
The feathered texture is worked by hand, catching light across the wings as the necklace moves.
The Moon
Suspended beneath the owl is a crescent moon, cut from the same reclaimed silver.
The moon acts as both counterweight and focal point — a quiet echo of cycles, tides, and return. Its smooth surface contrasts with the textured wings above, creating depth through simplicity.
Together, owl and moon form a single nocturnal image: watchfulness guided by rhythm rather than force.
Made by Hand
GilliHowlet is saw-pierced and finished entirely by hand.
The owl’s form is cut from the original coin, working around existing marks and softness in the metal. Details are refined slowly, leaving evidence of the process rather than removing it.
The necklace is assembled link by link to allow natural movement and comfort when worn.
Wear & Patina
As a recycled silver piece, the necklace will continue to develop patina over time.
Highlights will soften and shadows deepen, especially within the engraved feather lines. These changes add to the character of the piece, reinforcing its sense of age and continuity.
Designed for regular wear, the necklace becomes more personal with use.
Meaning & Wearing
GilliHowlet speaks to those drawn to night, reflection, and quiet clarity.
It is often chosen as a companion piece — something worn close rather than displayed. Meaning is not imposed; it gathers naturally through wear, association, and time.
Keeper of the Night
GilliHowlet is jewellery shaped from silver already rich with history.
It preserves a familiar material and allows it to move forward — from currency to companion, from exchange to meaning.
To learn more about reclaimed silver, folklore symbolism, and traditional making, visit Our Craft & Inspiration.
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