A little more detail…
A recycled 1891 florin reworked into a living symbol of growth and continuity.
Handmade Sterling Silver Florin Pendant (1891)
Coins are small witnesses to history.
The Three Lions Tree of Life pendant begins with an original 1891 British florin, recycled and transformed into a piece that holds both national history and enduring symbolism. From a coin oncemade to circulate hand to hand, a new form emerges — rooted, branching, and alive.
The Coin
The florin was introduced as a symbol of unity and everyday value, intended to pass through ordinary lives rather than sit apart from them.
This particular piece is made from a recycled sterling silver 1891 florin, retaining the coin’s milled edge, age-softened surface, and quiet weight. Rather than erasing its past, the design works within it,allowing history to remain visible at the edges.
The date anchors the piece in time, while the transformation allows it to move forward.
The Tree of Life
At the centre of the pendant stands the Tree of Life.
Its roots, trunk, and branches form a single continuous shape — growth rising from stability, movement held by balance. Leaves spread outward, filling the circular frame, suggesting abundance without excess.
The Tree of Life appears across cultures as a symbol of connection: between earth and sky, past and future, self and world. Here it is rendered not as an emblem, but as a living form — shaped by hand rather than pattern.
The Three Lions
At the base of the tree, the Three Lions remain present.
Originally a symbol of endurance, strength, and continuity, they are carried forward into the new design rather than removed. Their presence grounds the piece in its origin, linking the living tree above with the history beneath it.
This layering of symbols allows old and new meanings to coexist — national identity, personal growth, and continuity across time.
Made by Hand
The Tree of Life is cut and refined by hand directly from the original florin.
Saw-piercing is used to open the form, carefully working around existing details to preserve structure and balance. Files and abrasives refine the branches and leaves, while the surrounding coin edge is left intact.
Each pendant carries small variations, shaped by the original coin and the decisions made during cutting. No two are identical.
Silver, Patina & Wear
Sterling silver responds to time.
The pendant will continue to develop patina through wear, softening highlights and deepening shadows. This ageing is part of the piece’s character — a visible record of use rather than deterioration.The silver bail and fittings are made by hand to complement the weight and balance of the pendant allowing it to sit comfortably when worn.
Meaning & Wearing
The Tree of Life speaks of growth, resilience, and connection.
Combined with the Three Lions, the piece holds both personal and collective meaning — a reminder that growth is rooted in what came before, and that strength can be quiet as well as bold.
Some are drawn to the symbolism. Others simply respond to the form and weight of the piece. Meaning is left open to gather over time.
History Reworked
Three Lions Tree of Life is not a replica or a restoration.
It is a reworking — a way of allowing a historic object to continue its journey in a new form. Worn regularly, it carries both the weight of its past and the story of the person who wears it.
To learn more about the craft, symbolism, and materials behind this piece, visit Our Craft & Inspiration.
Fee –
Lovely
Another beautiful piece! My wishlist is going to be enormous!
Linzi –
Delighted
Absolutely thrilled with this necklace and pendant. Such craft involved and I really feel special wearing it. This has also had lots and lots of compliments when I have been out and about wearing it. People ask me where it’s from and I tell them Hairy Growler Jewellery. They think Im off my head!! Thanks again!