Historical Treasures

Coins have always had a fascination for Elizabeth because of their historical association. She is interested to learn about the lives and the significance of the people whose heads feature on the coins. “When I pick up an ancient coin I am aware that I am touching something that has been handled by people many hundreds of years ago. Coins are a connection with the past, perhaps some have been used to buy groceries or to pay a king’s ransom”, says Elizabeth. The first time Elizabeth used a coin in one of her designs, she was devastated. The goldsmith proudly showed her the finished gleaming coin which he had polished until it shone- thus removing two thousand years of patina!

Elizabeth also works with other small historical treasures and brings a new life to an object with a fascinating history.