A little more detail…

Recycled Irish One Punt Red Deer Pendant

The Kind of the Forest Red deer on the Irish £1 coin symbolizes Ireland’s rich natural heritage and native wildlife, embodying the enduring spirit of the nation and its connection to the land. As the national land mammal, the red deer reflects the Celtic emphasis on the natural world and its inherent vitality, a theme present in the country’s mythology and artistic traditions, including the Celtic art style seen on some related coins.

The red deer is a majestic creature that has roamed the Irish landscape for centuries, making it a poignant symbol of the country’s vibrant and enduring wildlife.
It embodies the natural spirit of Ireland and the deep, historic connection between the Irish people and their natural environment.

For the ancient Celts, the red deer was considered the oldest creature, symbolizing life, fertility, and vitality. The stag’s powerful antlers were seen as a symbol of the “tree of life,” further connecting the creature to themes of perpetual existence.

The £1 coin, also known as the Punt, was introduced in 1990 and featured the red deer to represent the country’s unique animal heritage, following a trend of using native Irish animals on coinage. The iconic image of the red deer was created by Irish artist Thomas Ryan, who based his design on photographs of the national herd at Killarney National Park.

The coin was also a symbol of Ireland’s prosperity and development during the “Celtic Tiger” economic era, a pivotal moment in the country’s history.
In essence, the red deer on the Irish coin serves as a poetic reminder of Ireland’s natural beauty, its deep cultural ties to the animal kingdom, and the country’s lasting connection to its wild landscapes.

Through the ages of time flourish designs are representative of movement, transformation, and vitality, often representing the unseen energy behind growth, beauty, and creative expression. This allows me the perfect opportunity to compliment the lovely Irish hare coin with a design which aligns with the spirit of the animal and the coin.

As decorative elements, they transform simple lines into something rich and meaningful, evoking emotions and themes that words alone cannot always capture.

Inspired by flora, the flourishes mimic curling vines and unfurling leaves. These designs symbolize the natural world’s cycles of growth, renewal, and resilience, much like a relationship that grows and matures over time. The organic, flowing lines suggest a living, breathing energy.

Using deeply engraved Flourishes I am attempting to symbolize immortality, longevity, and the abundance of nature. The ancient and widespread use of these motifs connects humanity to the enduring, timeless power of the natural world.

The carved flourishes are a prime example of “emotion in motion”. The sweeping, dynamic curves and loops can convey a range of feelings, from playful and whimsical to elegant and serious.

This beautiful ‘out of circulation’ half crown coin provides the perfect size raw material to create a lovely brooch. I carefully cut the Red Deer Stag design  with a traditional hand piercing saw. Then, I meticulously follow that design with carving tools to detail the traditional flourishing scrolls. Each one is completely unique and special. I aim to not only create a contemporary, wearable design but also revive some of the original history. I preserve these coins for a future generation.

If you liked this majestic stag, why not check out some traditional edelweiss flowers, or purchase a gorgeous silver oak leaf ring?

A lovely, original, recycled coin brooch with a fantastic history. Handcrafted and recycled in Cambridge, UK.

Size : Approx 31 mm diameter