A little more detail…

De Vine cross necklace – handmade and recycled silver 100 year old sterling silver shilling

The Vine Cross is a profound and multi-layered symbol rooted in biblical allegory, the imagery of nature, and the history of the faith. It combines the suffering and death represented by the cross with the vitality and fruitfulness of the vine, transforming an instrument of death into a tree of life. This convergence creates a powerful poetic image of redemption, connection, and spiritual renewal.

The primary poetic symbolism of the vine cross comes from John 15, where Jesus states, “I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser… Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me”.

The interwoven vine around the cross shows a life-giving union, a constant flow of spiritual nourishment from Jesus to his flock. It poetically illustrates that connection to Christ is not a static decision but a dynamic, abiding relationship.

The life of the vine transforms the death of the cross. A dead tree is given new life, symbolizing how Christ’s suffering and sacrifice lead to eternal life. The vines that wrap around the cross are a poetic testament to the victory of life over death. The cross becomes the central point from which spiritual fruit grows. The vine’s branches, which produce grapes, represent the good works, love, and spiritual gifts that Christians can only produce by remaining in Christ. The grapes can be further linked to the wine of the Eucharist, which represents Christ’s blood and his new covenant.

The “tree of knowledge” in Genesis, which brought about death, with the cross, which becomes the “tree of life”. The vine cross is a vibrant picture of this spiritual reversal, where the wood of the cross, once cursed, is made to sprout with new, eternal life. This image connects Christ, the “new Adam,” to the garden of Eden. Where the first Adam brought sin into the world through a tree, the second Adam (Jesus) brings salvation to the world by dying on a tree. The thriving vine represents the restoration of God’s original plan for creation.

I have lovingly crafted each cross pendant from a 100 year old silver shilling. 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.  Each cross is individually handmade and recycled in Cambridge, England.

Size : Approx 24 mm * 20 mm

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