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