Coins have been used for jewelry for centuries. Precious metal coins like gold and silver ones have a significant monetary value so wearing them showed off wealth and status. It was also of keeping one's money about you rather than leaving it unguarded at home.
Coin based jewelry charms and pendants are still popular today. Here are some awesome tutorials using coins. One word of caution. If you have a valuable historical coin - don't drill holes in it because it will lose its value. Try wire wrapping instead.
First up is the Decal Penny Pendant (above) tutorial by Cathe Holden on Just Something I Made blog. The copper penny she used is just a convenient round disc to exercise her creative embellishing skills! She recommends the use of Amazing Glaze embossing powder.
As I said above, some coins have a fair bit of value. So some artisans turn pre-1964 US coins (not nickels or pennies) into rings! The half dollars back then contain 90% silver - that's a pretty high content, almost that of sterling silver (92.5%). Just check out the Coin Ring Tutorial by FrogSongStudio and see the transformation into the splendid ring on the left! (update : this link no longer works so check this video tutorial which shows the process without power tools.
Before you go:
- Treasure Hunting with Metal Detectors
- Copper is not just for Jewelry (or pennies!)
- Brazilian New Year Superstition
Original Post by THE BEADING GEM
Jewelry Making Tips - Jewelry Business Tips
Love these! Now I want some Amazing Glaze embossing powder. So many ideas..
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I love these ideas Pearl! I always thought you weren't allowed to deface money. I've hammered some pennies to make copper discs and of coarse put pennies on the train tracks as a kid, but people would say, "You're not supposed to do that you know." So I have been reluctant to add it to my jewelry. Do you know the rules on that or is it nothing to worry about? It sure looks cool!
ReplyDeleteI mentioned that issue in yesterday's post -
ReplyDeletehttp://www.beadinggem.com/2010/11/origami-banknote-jewelry.html
Many countries do indeed have laws against defacing money. However, how strictly these would be enforced if coins were made into jewelry is another matter.
Here is the situation in Canada according to the Royal Mint (see link below):
"The Currency Act and The Canadian Criminal Code clearly state that no person shall melt down, break up or use otherwise than as currency any coin that is legal tender in Canada."
http://www.mint.ca/store/mint/customer-service/faq-1100010#Q1
REhttp:
ReplyDelete//www.frogsongstudio.com/coinringtut.html
Can't find the tute!!!!
Help pls!
That link no longer works. I have substituted with a Youtube video which shows the same process but without any power tools. Takes longer!
ReplyDeleteLove the penny with the decal :)
ReplyDeleteThat tutorial is right up your street, Heather!
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