The Highland Thistle

The Highland Thistle


Brief Summary…

  • Out of circulation £2 Coins: Bronze
  • Optional Silver £2 Coin: Sterling Silver
  • Optional Chain: Sterling Silver. Recommend : Omnia / Flourish
  • Meticulously hand cut and carved.
  • Thistle pendant complete with ‘donor’ coin ‘off-cut’
  • Option to have special initial engraved on reverse
  • Made using only traditional hand tools and techniques
  • Hairy Growler Shepherd’s Crook Necklace Catch: Sterling Silver
  • Size : Approx 20mm * 15mm
  • Symbolism: Family, interconnectedness, growth, resilience, Ancestry
  • Handcrafted & Recycled in Cambridge

£56

Available

Necklace selection
no necklace or cord thank you. Finesse Silver chain 16 inch +£53 Flourish Silver chain 16 inch +£70 Omnia Silver chain 16 inch +£100 Finesse Silver chain 17 inch +£55 Flourish Silver chain 17 inch +£74 Omnia Silver chain 17 inch +£105 Finesse Silver chain 18 inch +£58 Flourish Silver chain 18 inch +£77 Omnia Silver chain 18 inch +£110 Finesse Silver chain 21 inch +£67 Flourish Silver chain 21 inch +£90 Omnia Silver chain 21 inch +£135 Finesse Silver chain 24 inch +£73 Flourish Silver chain 24 inch +£103 Omnia Silver chain 24 inch +£155 Finesse Silver chain 32 inch +£106 Flourish Silver chain 32 inch +£139 Omnia Silver chain 32 inch +£228 Black Adjustable length braided cotton neck cord Choco Adjustable braided cotton neckcord Zesty Green Adjustable braided cotton neckcord Red adjustable braided cotton neckcord Yellow Adjustable braided cotton neckcord
Wee charm on silver hook? (if silver chain is chosen)
No charm thank you Heart +£5 Thunder bolt +£5 Star +£5 Moon +£6 Acorn +£16 Oak leaf +£22 Paw print +£24 Lucky +£28 Feather +£28
Style of wee charm on hook (if silver chain is chosen)
No charm thank you Reddish copper Golden bronze Silver +£5 22ct Gold +£495
Little felt polishing pad

A Little More Detail…

Hand Carved from a Reclaimed Bronze £2 Coin

There are symbols that belong to a nation.
And then there are symbols that belong to the land itself.

The thistle is both.

Sharp. Defiant. Beautiful.
Unapologetically rooted.

This pendant began life as a recycled bronze £2 coin — once currency, once ordinary. Now reclaimed and transformed into a hand carved thistle emerging from its own history.


From Coin to Crowned Wildflower

The original coin is no longer in circulation.
No monetary value in a wallet — but too full of character to melt and lose.

Instead, it was reclaimed at the bench.

The thistle was carefully pierced and shaped from the bronze. The leaves curl outward with a natural defiance, while a small silver heart rests at the base — a quiet nod to loyalty and strength of spirit.

A piece of metal once stamped by machine…
now shaped by hand.

If you’re curious how reclaimed coins become wearable pieces, you can explore more here:

How Saw-Pierced Silver Pendants Are Made


The Meaning of the Thistle

The thistle has long been a symbol of protection, resilience, and fierce independence. It is Scotland’s emblem for a reason — not soft, not delicate, but strong and unmistakable.

It grows where it chooses.
It survives what it must.
It stands tall regardless.

To wear a thistle is to wear quiet strength.

To explore more about the deeper symbolism behind woodland and traditional motifs, visit:

Woodland Symbolism


Rooted in Craft

This piece forms part of the Hairy Growler collection exploring reclaimed British coinage and traditional symbolism.

To explore the philosophy behind the work:

Our Craft & Inspiration


The Highland Thistle Pendant

Born from currency.
Shaped by hand.
Rooted in resilience.

Not melted.
Not forgotten.

Reclaimed.

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hairy growler jewellery handcrafted and recycled in cambridge

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.