Fine Jewellery, Watches, Silver & Coins Live Auction 24th April 2024 at 12pm

6 While traditionally coins are used as currency and as a means of payment, like many things, they also have an alternative use. For thousands of years, coins have also been worn as jewellery - a practice known as Gemme Numari, and it is still highly fashionable today. As with most topics, the origin of wearing coins as jewellery dates back to both Ancient Rome and Ancient Egypt. Coins and medals were worn as displays of wealth among those from the upper-class in society. As the trend grew stronger, the coins and medals would begin to display family crests, or political leaders, emphasising the wealth bestowed by those wearing them, as not only could they afford to wear these pieces, but they also has the means to have personalised additions. Similar to the use of charms and charm bracelets during the Victorian era in Britain, and perhaps an influential pre-cursor, military men in the 16th century would carry coins with the initials of their loved ones with them to war, or they would carve symbols or messages into coins for their loved ones to hold onto while they were away. Similarly, coin rings were often made by sailor’s to pass time on long voyages and were sent back to family at home. Coins can be worn as bracelets, pendants, rings, brooches, and there are even examples of coins made into cufflinks. Coin rings in par ticular have a rich history. During the Medieval period, knights would wear rings from their family coinage, they were a means of identification during this period. During the Renaissance, similar to Ancient Egypt, powerful leaders and high-up members of society could afford to have their likeness dis- played on coins and in turn made into jewellery, par ticularly signet rings.The 1960s saw the introduction of coin jewellery into the world of high fashion with Bulgari’s Monte Jewels collection - the fashion house used coins from 222AD to create wearable pieces. Today, coin jewellery is typically worn for sentimental reasons. The date on the coin usually reflects an impor tant date in the life of the wearer, or has significant meaning for someone in their life. GEMME NUMARI LIVE AUCTION OF FINE JEWELLERY, WATCHES, SILVER & COINS • WEDNESDAY, 24th APRIL 2024 AT 12PM