The Goldfinch

Recycled 22ct solid gold Sovereign

Goldfinch necklace – The lucky Goldfinch, a little friend handcrafted and recycled from an 100 year 22ct solid gold sovereign. I completely hand-cut, carve and engrave this lovely old 22ct gold coin in Cambridge, using traditional tools and techniques. The Goldfinch has been known as a symbol of luck and endurance since the middle ages.

The goldfinch’s natural traits have inspired a rich, and sometimes opposing, body of poetry. Its bright golden plumage, cheerful song, and energetic flight pattern make it a natural symbol of happiness, prosperity, and positive energy. American poet Mary Oliver captured this exuberance in her poem “Goldfinches,” observing how the birds “drop from the sky. / A buttery gold” to feast among the thistles. With its cheerful optimism, the goldfinch is also a symbol of resilience. The bird thrives on the seeds of thistles, finding nourishment in what others avoid, which can be seen as a metaphor for finding joy despite adversity.

The symbolism of Fabritius’s famous painting was explored extensively in Donna Tartt’s novel The Goldfinch, where the artwork comes to represent enduring beauty, innocence, and the complex relationship between art and life.   “You can look at a picture for a week and never think of it again. You can also look at a picture for a second and think of it all your life.” – Donna Tartt, The Goldfinch

The goldfinch is associated with the crucifixion and resurrection of Christ, but also symbolizing joy, vitality, and resilience. In later works, it takes on themes of confinement and the poignant struggle for freedom. In medieval and Renaissance art, the European goldfinch was a sacred emblem of Christ’s passion and future resurrection.

The legend of the goldfinch’s distinctive red face comes from a drop of Christ’s blood. As Jesus carried his cross to Golgotha, a goldfinch compassionately plucked a thorn from his brow. When the thorn was removed, a drop of blood fell upon the bird, permanently marking its face. The bird’s diet of thistle seeds further ties it to the crown of thorns. Its preference for nesting among thorny plants reinforces its connection to Christ’s suffering and eventual victory over death.

In paintings of the Madonna and Child, the goldfinch—often shown held by the infant Jesus—is a poignant reminder of his future sacrifice and salvation.

I handcraft each pendant to order, using only these recycled 100-year-old, 22ct solid gold coins. The coins themselves are the perfect medium for this beautiful design. I use these coins as a perfect ethical and green solution. No new gold is destructively ‘mined’ and old. Instead, uncollectible pure gold coins are saved from the ‘melting pot’ of bullion merchants so some of their history and story live on.

Once I freehand sketch the design onto the coin, I hand-cut and carve using traditional hand saws, chisels and files. This traditional process allows me to have a close connection to each piece, ensuring the end result is personal and unique.

Gold necklace chains with unique Hairy Growler ‘Shepherds Hook catch and hanging charms’ are also offered and look lovely with the Goldfinch

These wonderful 100% recycled 9ct gold necklace chains are individually cut and created to order. Each one is complete with recycled gold hand wrought Hairy Growler ‘shepherds crook’ hook catch inspired by nature. There are three distinct offerings. All three gold variations of necklaces in the collection are suitable for everyday continuous wear.

The Gold Finesse necklace is a lovely fine 9ct Gold chain which is and has been used on all of my work for many years. It looks and feels beautiful. The Finesse chain can be worn effortlessly without question.

The Gold Flourish necklace is created using a more substantial gauge recycled 9ct Gold chain which looks and feels fabulous.  This will become the most popular chain I create and will receive wonderful compliments and remarks.  It suits all of the work I offer and is the perfect choice for a special, secure, everyday continuous wear necklace.

The Gold Omnia VNVS Est necklace is a tremendous necklace with the look of the ages.  The individual 9ct Gold links and finishing safety hook are a little heavier in gauge than the finesse and flourish giving a slightly more substantial look and feel.

For more detail, info regarding chains including images please check out this link

Handmade and recycled in Cambridge, England.

Size : Approx 22 mm diameter.