|
From Teen Traveler to Jewelry Artist![]()
Every piece of jewelry has a story—but these? They carry entire countries with them.
The Well Traveled collection started with a handful of forgotten coins from my teenage years. I was traveling the world for work back then, hopping borders and collecting stories—and unknowingly, collecting coins. Back in the ‘90s, most travel was done with cash. Paper bills could be exchanged easily, but the coins? They stayed with you. A little bit of Belgium here. A few yen from Japan there. After a while, I had a small treasure chest of memories in metal form.
When I moved to the U.S. and started making jewelry, those coins found their way back into my life. I’ve always loved the process of upcycling—giving overlooked materials new meaning. And those coins? They were waiting to be transformed.
 |
A Second Life for Old Currency
Today, each piece in the Well Traveled collection is made from a genuine coin once used in everyday life—on trams, in markets, in someone’s pocket halfway around the world. I handpick each one for its beauty, shape, or history, and turn it into a necklace or pair of earrings with its own new story.
 |
 |
 |
Some favorites from this batch:
- A Norwegian krone with a delicate center hole (a lovely design detail and a traditional way to thread coins on string)
- A Hong Kong scalloped coin, shaped like a flower (visually striking and rare)
- And a pair of earrings made from German coins that date all the way back to the 1800s
|
Why Coin Jewelry Speaks to So Many
It never fails: at markets, I watch customers pause over these pieces. Then they’ll say something like, “Oh my gosh—my grandmother was born in Hungary.” Or “This one reminds me of the trip I took with my dad to Mexico.” Or sometimes, simply: “I don’t know why, but this one just feels like me.”
That’s what I love most. These aren’t just travel souvenirs. They’re memory holders. Tiny symbols of where we’ve been—or where we come from.
Whether you’re shopping for a meaningful gift for someone with global roots, or simply want to wear something that connects you to a place or time, the Well Traveled collection is full of surprises waiting to be discovered.
 |
Coin Nerd Corner (Because Yes, I Am One)
I thought I’d answer a few fun questions I often get from curious customers:
Why do some coins have holes in the middle?
Coins like the Norwegian krone or some older Chinese coins were designed with holes so they could be strung together—either for easier carrying or for ceremonial purposes. It’s a beautiful blend of function and symbolism.
Who decides what goes on a coin?
Each country has its own mint, often with historians, artists, and even national competitions deciding the design. Some coins feature monarchs, others highlight architecture, animals, or national plants. It’s truly a little work of art meant for everyday use.
How long do coins stay in circulation?
It depends on the country and the material. Some coins get redesigned every few decades, while others (like older Euros or British pounds) are replaced more frequently due to inflation or redesigns. That makes certain coins even more special—you’re wearing a piece of history that might no longer exist in its home country.
|
Countries Featured in This Collection
The Well Traveled collection currently includes coins from:
Netherlands, Barbados, Gambia, UK, Yugoslavia, Taiwan, Argentina, New Zealand, Australia, Denmark, Bulgaria, Hong Kong, Belgium, Norway, Germany, Jamaica, Israel, China, Canada, Ireland, Czech Republic, Mexico, Euros, and Hungary.
|
Ready to Find Your Own Connection?
There’s something almost magical about choosing a piece that feels just right.
A coin that reminds you of your heritage, a trip, a dream destination—or someone you love.
The Well Traveled collection is live now.
Every necklace and pair of earrings is handcrafted in small batches, and once they’re gone… they’re gone.