Maybe it's the way they remind us of long-ago times or the mysterious mythologies of the past, or maybe it's all in their unquestionable Instagram appeal—either way, vintage coin pieces have taken over the jewelry scene, and we expect them to stay awhile. The ancient-appearing medallions often tout the figures, symbols, or essence of Greek lore, biblical deities, the zodiac, or sunken shipwreck treasures. The pull to the other-realmly charm and fantasy of lost worlds is undeniable, and it's no wonder designs dripping in historical drama are flying off the (virtual) shelves in Bridgerton-era 2021.
One particular allure to coin jewelry is its innate versatility. From statement medallions to barely-there dainty pieces, it's all in the layering—or lack thereof. We're also loving the way a few pops of gold elevates even the loungiest of loungewear. We went ahead and did some digging—or should we say excavating—to find the best coin jewelry pieces the internet has to offer. From protecting St. Christopher to centuries-old Spanish flair, each has a unique story woven through human history or mystery.
Shop Our Favorite Coin Jewelry Pieces:
Agapé Isis Necklace
With a brand objective to carry the beauty of antiquity to the modern world, all of Agapé's designs are inspired by ancient civilizations and aim to tell a story connecting culture and aesthetic. The Isis necklace is inspired by the ancient Inca civilization. This unique pattern was praised and believed to relieve pain and repel nightmares.
Omi Woods The Drip Charm Bracelet with Coin
Omi Woods jewelry is handmade with fair-trade African gold and ethical, conflict-free fine metals. The pendants featured on this bracelet tell especially intriguing stories as they were all cast from authentic coins using the traditional lost-wax cast technique. The bracelet's charm selection includes the Queen of Sheba coin, the Pyramid coin, the Ghana coin, and the Trinidad and Tobago coin.
Mejuri Tarot Strength Ring
In tarot, the strength card represents courage, strength, determination, compassion, and overcoming obstacles. It is thought that when this card is pulled during a reading, you are abundant with inner strength, personal power, and the confidence to overcome any fear, challenge, or doubt.
Agapé Rania Necklace
The Rania necklace is inspired by South Arabian engravings and represents the Sasanian Empire's royal couple, who were famous for their ambition and courage. Each Agapé piece comes delivered in a vegan leather pouch and gift box.
Uncommon James Atocha Necklace
The Atocha necklace was inspired by the sunken treasures from the 1622 shipwreck of the Nuestra Señora de Atocha. The vessel was a Spanish treasure galleon that sank during a hurricane off the Florida Keys.
Omi Woods The Egyptian Coin Necklace Stack I
The Egyptian stack ties in the mysterious lure of the ancient Egyptian pyramids of Giza with the strength, intellect, and power of Cleopatra, the last ruler of the Ptolemaic Kingdom of Egypt. Both the Cleopatra and the Pyramid pendants were cast from authentic Egyptian coins.
Cali Tiger La Femme Necklace
The Miraculous Medal, or the Medal of Our Lady Grace, is a design originating in 1830 in Paris, France, by Saint Catherine Labouré and is said to prepare people to receive grace.
Agapé Luna Bracelet
Intentionally imperfect, the Luna design was made to look as though it was "taken straight from an archeological excavation" and also is available as a necklace.
Alex Mika Egyptian Coin Necklace
The Egyptian Coin necklace design found inspiration in ancient Egyptian art.
Agapé Isaac Necklace
Inspired by 18th-century European paintings, the details of the portrait remain a historic mystery.
Noa Jewelry Medallion Bracelet
The sun symbol is recognized across various cultures as a representation of life, inner strength, and self. In Ancient Chinese philosophy, the concept of duality is represented in Yin and Yang. While Yin embodies feminine energy and the moon, Yang is represented by the sun, the counterparting masculine energy.
YCL Jewels Hexagonal Femme Necklace
Reminiscent of deep-sea treasures, this design, created in celebration of femininity and the female form and shape, feels fit for a mermaid.
Agapé Ulysse Earrings
The design for the Ulysse earrings was inspired by the 900 BC Etruscan culture, an Italian civilization that came before ancient Rome. As one of the first civilizations with an emphasis on women's value, Etruscan women maintained "essential roles in the society."
Fedoma Story Earrings
Appearing as though they have traveled from another time, whittled down through the journey, the Fedoma Story earrings were designed to tell a tale "reminiscent of childhood."
Agapé Palmyre Earrings
Ancient Persian ornaments dawning layered circles and dotted gold granules symbolized the hope for love and fertility. The antique Palmyre design also comes as a pendant necklace and a bracelet.
YCL Jewels Zodiac II Necklace
Astrology has deep-rooted ties to human history, with influences traceable to Babylonian times. And while even the most astrologically averse people know their sun sign, this is just the tip of the iceberg where birth charts are concerned. With this in mind, the Zodiac II dawns two antique-style pendants, allowing for the display of multiple signs.
Stella and Haas Saint Pendant Necklace
The Saint Pendant necklace offers a selection of three styles, each clad in different saint coins. Choose from the Gold Circle Saint, Gold Oval Mary, and Silver Circle Father.
Top photo: Courtesy of Instagram/@claire_most
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