Graceful, sacred, and rich with symbolism, this Wild Swan necklace is inspired by an ancient Greek coin struck in the Ionian city of Klazomenai nearly 2,400 years ago. Each pendant begins as an original hand carving, which I sculpt and kiln-fire in my Florida studio using traditional artisan techniques.
The coin depicts a wild swan, one of the most important symbols of Klazomenai. Curving around the bird is the Greek inscription ΜΑΝΔΡΩΝΑΞ (Mandronax), naming the magistrate responsible for supervising the city's mint at the time the coin was issued.
To the ancient Greeks, the swan was closely associated with Apollo, the patron god of Klazomenai. The obverse of this coin type originally featured Apollo wearing a laurel wreath, while the reverse celebrated his sacred bird. Beyond its religious significance, the swan also served as a visual reference to the city's name. The surrounding wetlands were famous for their populations of wild swans, and the Greek verb klazein—"to cry out" or "to scream"—echoed the distinctive calls of these birds, creating a clever linguistic connection between the animal and the city itself.
This design is based on a documented museum specimen preserved in the Münzkabinett, Staatliche Museen zu Berlin (Berlin Coin Cabinet, Germany), allowing a remarkable piece of ancient history to be reimagined as wearable art.
Each pendant is individually handmade, preserving the character and spirit of the original coin while celebrating the beauty of the swan—a symbol of grace, inspiration, divine connection, and timeless elegance.
AVAILABLE IN:
• Gold bronze: Solid jeweler gold bronze pendant paired with 1.4mm 14k gold filled chain or
• Gold plated: 14k gold plated over solid jeweler gold bronze pendant paired with 1.4mm 14k gold filled chain
Details
- Hand-carved from my original artwork
- Individually kiln-fired in my studio
- Signed on the back
- 15mm one sided coin
- Nickel free
- Made in the USA
A meaningful gift for lovers of ancient history, Greek culture, archaeology, dogs, and timeless symbols of devotion. This small coin pendant connects the wearer to a story that has endured for more than 2,400 years.
Bronze has been valued since antiquity for its strength and warm, golden tone. Over time, it naturally oxidizes—much like silver—creating a rich patina that adds depth and character. Its original luster can be easily restored with a jeweler’s polishing cloth as needed.
