Brief Summary…

•  Recycled silver Shilling coin circa Victorian era.
• Meticulously hand cut, carved and engraved
• Made using only traditional hand tools and techniques
• 24ct gold inlaid halo
• Optional free engraved details on reverse
• Optional Chain: Sterling Silver. Recommend : Flourish / Omnia
• Hairy Growler Shepherd’s Crook Necklace Catch: Sterling Silver
• Size : 24 mm diameter
• Symbolism : faith, hope, protection, courage, clarity, guide in the dark, safe travels
• Handcrafted & Recycled in Cambridge

Traveler, safe return home.

A little more detail…

St Christopher necklace – handmade and recycled silver 100 year old Shilling

St Christopher inspired this pendant; he was the patron saint of travellers. Christopher carried and guided a stranger across a dangerous river. The child revealed himself as Christ, and bestowed Christopher the title of ‘Saint of travellers, protector of the wanderers’. Additionally, I have crafted each pendant from a 100 year old silver shilling. For instance, the one above is over a century old, created in 1902.

The St. Christopher silver shilling is deeply tied to its namesake, the patron saint of travelers. The central imagery of a giant carrying the Christ Child across a perilous river imbues the amulet with layers of meaning related to protection, guidance, and spiritual journeys. It is a symbol that has transcended its religious origins to be embraced by many as a talisman for safe passage through life’s many transitions.

The core of the pendants symbolism is its connection to the legend of St. Christopher, whose name means “Christ-bearer”. Christopher is said to have carried a child who grew impossibly heavy as they crossed a river. When they reached the other side, the child revealed he was Christ, and Christopher had carried the weight of the world. This represents selfless service and bearing the burdens of others with immense strength. The story of the safe crossing through a raging river, despite the overwhelming burden, signifies the wish to grant safe passage through both physical and metaphorical storms. It is a symbol of resilience, endurance, and unwavering faith in the face of daunting challenges.

The piece offers guidance not just for physical travels but also for the spiritual and emotional journey of life. The St. Christopher pendant can be a metaphor for an inner spiritual compass, helping the wearer navigate the tumultuous currents of life towards their “destined place”. For some, the St Christopher is a reminder to have the courage to follow their true path, helping them overcome obstacles and find clarity in their purpose.
A token of connection and memory

A St.Christopher pendant often serves as a meaningful gift, imbuing it with the symbolism of enduring connection and heartfelt wishes. When given by a loved one, the pendant becomes a physical reminder of their well-wishes and concern for the wearer’s safety. It keeps the wearer connected to home and to those who care for them, no matter how far they travel. As a cherished keepsake, the amulet accumulates the history of the journeys it has witnessed. It serves as a tangible object of memory, passed down through generations, along with the tales of life’s travels.

The St Christophers meaning has expanded over time, moving beyond a strictly Christian devotion to a universal symbol embraced by many, including:

Mariners and surfers: Due to St. Christopher’s feat of carrying Christ across the water, the amulet is particularly popular with those who work on or are drawn to the sea, such as mariners, divers, and surfers, as a charm for protection.

New beginnings: It is often gifted to people starting new chapters in life, such as students heading to university or those embarking on a new career, as a symbol of protection and good fortune on their new adventure.

Each St Christopher necklace has a small special inlay of 24ct gold.  The coins themselves are the perfect medium for this beautiful design, inline with a love of nature using these coins is the perfect ethical and green solution. No new silver is destructively ‘mined’ and old, uncollectible pure silver coins are saved from the ‘melting pot’ of bullion merchants. This protects their history and ensures their stories live on.

Once the 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. The St Christopher necklace is handmade and recycled in Cambridge, England.

Size : Approx 24 mm diameter.

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