A little more detail…

Recycled silver Victorian shilling

The skull and crossbones is a memento mori symbol, representing mortality, transience, and the inevitable end of life through the stark images of a stripped-down human form. It reminds us of the impermanence of earthly existence, the vanity of worldly glories, and the universality of death’s reach, echoing motifs from the medieval Danse Macabre. Beyond this primary meaning, it also symbolizes danger, warning, and rebellion, as seen in its use as a poison warning and a pirate’s flag to signal their lethal intent.

The skull, stripped of flesh, is a potent symbol of the human body’s ultimate fate, emphasizing the fragility of life. The crossed bones signify that death is a shared experience, impacting everyone regardless of their social standing, a theme central to the medieval Danse Macabre.

The skull and crossbones serves as a reminder that life is temporary and that earthly glories are fleeting, encouraging reflection on the true value of existence.

Within ancient burial practices, the skull and crossbones were preserved during grave disturbances as a symbol of the body’s physical remnants, implying God’s power to restore life through resurrection.

The symbol can also be associated with sacrifice and the spiritual transcendence of mortal life, especially when tied to religious figures who faced death. It is also a symbol of defiance and a challenge to established norms, frequently adopted by figures like pirates to inspire fear and signal their ruthless intent

This beautiful pendant is perfect for the pirate in your life, be that you or someone close! As always, each and every necklace pendant is handmade and completely made from recycled raw materials.

The raw material is a sterling silver shilling coin circa 1890’s. The coins i use are unwanted by coin collectors due to wear, etc. This skull and cross bones design is freehand drawn onto the sterling silver coin, several holes are drilled and the sections are delicately cut away. The edges are filed, smoothed and finally polished. The end result is a lovely, original, recycled pendant with a fantastic history.

Each one of these coin pendants i create is different, unusual and unique. Be assured that if you order one it will look equally as lovely!

Recycled in Cambridge. 100 year old+ Sterling silver coin.

Size : Approx 23 mm diameter