Coin Carnival

Category: Uncategorized

  • 1939 British UK silver half crown coin ring

    1939 British UK silver half crown coin ring

    I really like older silver British half crowns with nice crisp raised detail and design.  This one was no exception.   After I crafted this coin into a ring, I went for a coffee and to the grocery shop. When I was paying both times I was asked about this ring.  Wow, didn’t even notice that it stands out so much.  It’s available for sale in my online store here ($145 AUD).

    History of the British half crown  coin

    The half crown was a denomination of British money worth two shillings and sixpence, being one-eighth of a pound. The half crown was first issued in 1549, in the reign of Edward VI. No half crowns were issued in the reign of Mary, but from the reign of Elizabeth I half crowns were issued in every reign except Edward VIII, until the coins were discontinued in 1967. The half crown was demonetised (ahead of other pre-decimal coins) on 1 January 1970, the year before the United Kingdom adopted decimal currency on Decimal Day.

    During the English Interregnum of 1649-1660, a republican half crown was issued, bearing the arms of the Commonwealth of England, despite monarchist associations of the coin’s name. When Oliver Cromwell made himself Lord Protector of England, half crowns were issued bearing his semi-royal portrait.

    The half crown did not display its value on the reverse until 1893.

    In the 1800s, the silver half crown coin was (very roughly) convertible into an American fifty-cent piece, and was sometimes nicknamed the “half dollar” in North America.

  • Mokume Gane rings – Coin Canival style

    Mokume Gane rings – Coin Canival style

    Mokume Gane rings – Coin Canival style
    I wanted to try this new macro molecular materials (part of the new breed of new age designer materials) for quite sometime now. Finally, I was brave enough to place an order from US. This new metal material is patented and requires a sophisticated lab setup in order to make it. It is also expensive. I have ordered 8 different “flavors” resembling Mokume Gane with wild colours. It is not as easy to work with as I thought it will be but the end result is very unique and appealing ring IMHO.  All the rings I made are super comfortable to wear and they do not leave any dark staining on the skin. They are not very easy to scratch but if you do manage to scratch it it will polish off very easily to the original glossy finish.

    I made 8 different ring samples from each colour mixture. All colours are available in my online shop for custom order as well as I will try to have few samples at the artisan store in Fremantle.

    Macro Molecular Materials are part of the new breed of new age designer materials that make everything from the Stealth Bomber to the International Space Station possible. These materials are made with high purity metals and other exotic elements that have been deconstructed to the macro-molecular level, homogenously combined and then reconstructed with highly refined proprietary chemical binders. Metal deconstruction requires very specialized equipment  Gas Metal Atomizer that super heats the metal and then shoots it with water, gas or plasma causing it to explode into molecules of specific shape and size. Heat, pressure and an exothermic chemical reaction cause the molecules to cross link forming a new material with a unique macro-molecular structure.

    Originally developed for aerospace where the military engineers  uncovered a host of aesthetic qualities that build on the remarkable benefits of these materials. The proprietary process together with the natural interplay of the metals and elements creates exotic metal colors, beautiful random wood grain patterns and metal combinations that were never before possible. Deep, dimensional, mirror finishes with galactic star field qualities make for a surface that is mesmerizing and desirable.

    For example; Macro Molecular Copper is produced by applying the  macro-molecular process to pure copper and producing a completely new form of copper with a unique molecular structure. This new  Copper will literally last forever where regular copper will ultimately oxidize and corrode over time. The new molecular structure allows for an increased strength to weight ratio with enhanced surface characteristics while at the same time being unbelievably easy to turn, cut, shape and polish with standard wood working tools.

  • Manzanita wood ring with 316 stainless steel core

    Manzanita wood ring with 316 stainless steel core

    Manzanita is a common name for many species of the genus Arctostaphylos. They are evergreen shrubs or small trees present in the chaparral biome of western North America, where they occur from southern British Columbia and Washington to California, Arizona and New Mexico in the United States, and throughout Mexico. They are characterized by smooth, orange or red bark and stiff, twisting branches. There are 105 species and subspecies of manzanita,[95 of which are found in the Mediterranean climate and colder mountainous regions of California, ranging from ground-hugging coastal and mountain species to small trees up to 20 feet (6m) tall.

    Hand crafted by me with a lot of love.  I only used Shellac to finish on the outside and natural resin to glue the SS core inside.  Size: 9 US/Canadian.  For sale – $155 AUD or $120 USD.  Shipping in Australia is Free.  Rest of the world – check with me first as I will only ship with tracking.