Knights Templar Shield

Knights Templar Shield necklace – handmade and recycled silver 100 year old sterling silver shilling

The Knights Templar shield primarly symbolises the defence of the Christian faith, their role as protectors of the Holy Land and pilgrims, and their strength and resilience. The shield’s cross embodies their devotion and willingness to shed blood for God and the faith, while its presence on a white field represented the order’s spiritual purity and commitment.

I lovingly craft each silver shield pendant from a 100 year old British silver shilling. The historical coins themselves are the perfect medium for this beautiful Crusader design. Each one of these coins is obtained due to them not being of collectible quality. This is a real shame as they represent such a fasinating history. Rather than let them simply be ‘melted down’ to release the base value of the precious metal, i buy as many as i can to transform into lovely, wearable jewellery! I make sure each shield retains all of the coin details, its historical origins which provide a wonderful connection to its previous life and history.

Each coin carries the weight of its past, embodying the transactions, events, and people it has encountered. Recycled coin jewelry, therefore, serves as a tangible link to history and memory. The metal, a once common currency, is transformed into a unique, artistic item, symbolizing the inherent value and potential within all things and the transformative power of creative artistry.

Coins from specific historical periods, like those used by our soldiers during WWI & WWII, can symbolize patriotism, liberation, and remembrance of significant events.

Once the Cross and shield design is freehand sketched on to the coin, it is hand cut and carved using traditional hand saws, chisels and files. This traditional process allows me to have a close connection to each piece. This also gives the added bonus of each piece being completely unique.  Each cross is individually handmade and recycled in Cambridge, England. Size : Approx 20 mm * 14 mm

The shield a military tool symbolises fortitude and endurance in the face of adversity and battle. The shield, and the cross it bore, represented the inherent duality of the Templars: being both spiritual monks and fierce warriors dedicated to earthly pursuits for the glory of God

Silver is often associated with the moon, representing intuition, receptivity, and emotional connection. It symbolizes clarity, purity, and spiritual illumination, reflecting inner wisdom and contemplation.In some spiritual traditions, silver is linked to compassion, empathy, and healing.

The act of recycling materials for jewelry represents a commitment to sustainability and participation in a circular economy, where resources are reused and given new life. The process of transforming an old coin into something new embodies themes of new beginnings, the start of new cycles, and hope.

Just as a coin endures the passage of time and societal change, its transformation into jewelry can symbolize resilience and adaptability in the face of life’s challenges.

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