| Coin Jewelry can be divided into two | | | | of both the coin and the craftsmanship |
| major categories: whole coins and cut | | | | to be shown. From here the coin can be |
| coins. This article will seek to give | | | | taken to it final form as a pendant, |
| the origin of and details about both | | | | earrings, tie tacks, money clips or |
| types. | | | | rings. |
| Whole coin jewelry has most likely been | | | | Whether it is whole or cut, coin jewelry |
| around since coins were first invented. | | | | is becoming quite popular. Many people |
| It is thought that Egyptians would | | | | purchase them to be used as a beautiful |
| decorate their soldiers with medals | | | | accessory, as a show of national pride |
| similar to coins of their day. And, as | | | | or as a collection item specifically fit |
| long as soldiers and civilians have been | | | | to their hobby or interests. To be worn |
| traveling, the coins of other nations | | | | especially as an accessory, there are |
| have been a great souvenir to take back | | | | lovely butterfly, delicate flowers, and |
| home. Travelers would have coins | | | | bold suns, all worn as pendants or |
| finished whole or with added engravings | | | | earrings. One of the most popular pieces |
| to be used as necklaces and rings. | | | | is a stunning coin from Barbados, the |
| The other type of coin jewelry is | | | | ten dollar coin with features Neptune |
| commonly referred to as cut coins. Coin | | | | with a trident in his hand. When people |
| cutting was probably first seen in the | | | | want to purchase something to show their |
| 1600's when men would pierce and cut | | | | national pride, the Irish and Polish |
| coins to impress their lovers. Since | | | | coins are popular and, of course, any of |
| that time cutting coins has become a | | | | the American coins, with the new state |
| serious form of craftsmanship that is | | | | quarters being a unique way to show |
| currently producing some truly unique | | | | state pride. Finally, there are a huge |
| pieces of jewelry. When cutting coins, | | | | number of coins for those with |
| craftsman start with a whole coin and | | | | particular interests or hobbies. Whether |
| then pierce the coin with small holes. A | | | | it is cats or dogs, panda bears or any |
| very fine tooth jeweler's saw is then | | | | type of sport, there is a coin that will |
| inserted into these holes and worked | | | | match most any interest. These are just |
| until the main figure of the coin is | | | | a few of the vast number of coins that |
| released. This allows the central figure | | | | are available in cut coin jewelry. |
| of the coin to be featured and seen by | | | | So whether it is a whole coin or one |
| itself. The coins can then be left in | | | | designed by a craftsman with intricate, |
| its base metal or covered in gold or | | | | beautiful details, coin jewelry is a |
| silver or, often times, both. The | | | | very unique and a true art form. |
| two-tone finish allows the intricacies | | | | Article written by Kelly McGee. |