Brief Summary…

• Recycled silver two shilling / Florin coins circa 1885 – 1900’s
• Hand carved details using traditional hand tools.
• Hand cut with traditional jewellers piercing saw.
• Free engraved initials on reverse upon request.
• Symbolism – Freedom, interconnectedness of all life and nature, rebirth, good luck, and prosperity
• Hairy Growler Shepherd’s Crook Necklace Catch: Sterling Silver
• Size : each leaping hare link section approx 20mm * 10mm
• Handcrafted & Recycled in Cambridge

A little more detail….

Rabbit and hare bracelet – handmade and Recycled silver coins

This recycled silver coin rabbits and hares bracelet was inspired when I licking honey off my thumb the other day whilst stirring some porridge (breakfast of champions). Gazing out of the window, sucking my thumbs, got me thinking about the legendary Welsh enchantress Ceridwen and her ‘sous-chef’ young master Gwion Bach cauldron stirrer. (Please forgive this overview of the event if you are familiar with the powerful lady and this particular day because I express myself in recycled shiny things not language! feel free to chime in and help out.)

It is told that the very impressive enchantress Ceridwen was living a pretty wild life up in North Wales. Trouble was her son was a mess, and she definitely did not find him aesthetically pleasing. So rather than trying to work through his personal hideousness or just ‘putting up’ and living with this beast; she put her particular set of skills to work. Got the old cauldron heated up to 220°c and cunningly devised a sweet little potion to grant the gift of wisdom and artistic inspiration (which i guess is to make him beautiful and thus inspire art and poetry?).

This is where young master Gwion Bach joins the scene, he’s the ‘little stirrer’ making sure all of Ceridwens potions are smooth. Thinking about it that would be a great name for an organic smoothy company Ceridwens, probably already is. Problem is this potion was quite a special one developed for the main problem in Ceridwens life, her son and little Gwion spills a bit over the side (which is a big no-no) and then (which is a HUGE no-no) wipes it up with his thumb and licks it. nnnnnnooooOOOO! Yes. BOOM. Young Gwion immediately has the power, fabulous bone structure, and ancient secret knowledge. Ceridwen is well annoyed.

She was super furious so Gwion switched it up and transformed into a hare and leaped off. Phew! So there was me licking my honey thumb thinking about this and imagining Gwion Bach as the hare leaping off through the Welsh hills and valleys and arriving at a full moon party in Salisbury. Some would infer that he is the infamous, legendary Salisbury Hare who was seen dancing at full moons by locals, who knows. Anyway, I just like to think about that sometimes. The legend has it that Ceridwen transformed into a greyhound and took off after him (any excuse to get away from her son). Then they reckon that in an effort to swerve her he turned into a fish a swam off down the river! but there is no way i believe that.

The Hare is subject to a wide variety of legend and lore from all over the world. Timid, frail and nervous; forever hunted and preyed upon by beasts of both land and air.

The hare has no sharp fangs or ferocious roar, and yet he survives, endures, and prospers; by virtue of his swiftness and alertness, adaptability and resourcefulness. Perhaps it is this, our human tendency to root for the underdog, which has given rise to so many stories, beliefs, and legends about this otherwise rather unassuming and ubiquitous animal.

This necklace celebrates the qualities of the hare. It has been adapted from recycled silver coins circa 1880’s. Handcrafted & Recycled in Cambridge, UK. Size : Each sweet little hare and rabbit approx 20 mm * 10 mm

Swiftness and Agility: The hare’s iconic leaps and incredible speed naturally evoke swiftness, agility, and quick thinking. The swift movements you see them make reflects the unpredictable nature of life and the need to adapt quickly to evolving circumstances.

Fleeting Moments: The hare’s rapid movement highlights the ephemeral nature of beauty, joy, or life itself. Despite its speed, the hare is a prey animal, highlighting its vulnerability while also embodying resilience and the ability to outwit predators.

The Pursuit of Freedom & Triumph of the Spirit Leaping away from danger can symbolize the constant struggle for freedom, both literal and spiritual. The hare’s continued existence despite threats speaks to an indomitable spirit and the ability to persevere in the face of adversity.

Fertility and Rebirth: Hares are renowned for their fecundity, associating them with themes of fertility, renewal, and the cyclical nature of life. The leaping hare can mark a departure from the old and a hopeful embrace of what’s to come, aligning with the renewal of spring and the potential for fresh starts. The hare’s strong connection to life and reproduction can represent the powerful creative forces at play in nature and in human experience.

Trickster Archetype: In various cultures, the hare plays the role of a clever and mischievous trickster, often outsmarting larger, more powerful creatures. Its tricks represent immense resourcefulness, intelligence, and the ability to navigate challenges through wit and adaptability.

Challenging Authority: The trickster hare often defies expectations and social norms, hinting at the need to question authority and find unconventional solutions.

The Otherworld and Mystery: Hares are often seen as connected to the moon, magic, and the unseen realms in folklore. The Hare’s elusive nature and associations with ancient beliefs can lend a poetic sense of mystery, magic, and the spiritual to the image.