Thursday, April 2, 2009

The Lucky Penny Ring

I pick up change I see when I'm out, walking about. I call it "change road rescue." And this might seem, well, eccentric, um, to be kind. But I started doing it because my standard response when anyone asked about health insurance or my lack thereof, I'd say, "when I win the lottery.... " Or if asked about my retirement plans I'd say, " when I win the lottery." The trouble is, I don't believe in the lottery (as I have explained before, here, and here.) *Its a poor tax, not a stupid tax.... though the poor may be desperate enough to act stupid. Essentially, its a tax on dreams.*

So. To get around my reluctance to support a poor tax, I decided to pool the change I find while walking. Every 2-3 weeks, I accumulate enough for a powerball ticket. Two of my best finds are a 1896 penny (worth one dollar), and a 1918 dime (worth 5 bucks. Though it is a bit nicked. I found it in the street.)



Not all of the change I find is recyclable. Some of the pennies are torn apart, and some are just pulverized a bit too much. I keep these pennies, and have ended up with a rather gnarly stash of orphan pennies. Hence, the Lucky Penny Ring. Here is one design of the Lucky Penny Ring, and tomorrow I'm going to start working on another design. It is carved out of green wax and will be cast into silver. In one picture I have a diamond I dropped in just for fun. I will be setting a 5 mm stone there, but not a diamond! All pennies will be seeking their new life, with luck.


13 comments:

Jennifer said...

Great post! I have a friend who says that it will bring you good fortune to not be too proud to pick a penny up off the ground. Love the diamond ring design!

Anonymous said...

I love this and can't wait to see the finished product! You're not going to start making "road kill" jewelry, are you?:)
You crack me up - great post!

Parallax said...

This is a great idea -- I can't wait to see the finished lucky penny ring. We could all use some good luck!

Kim Caro said...

thats pretty neat o :)

Suldog said...

I, too, found an indian head penny once, but to find a dime that old is pretty amazing!

Mics AKA Lunatiger said...

I'm really amaze at jewelers that cast. I hope to see the finished product! It already looks FAB!

GalleryJuana said...

Love your nickname for picking up change! The design for your lucky penny ring is definitely going to look stunning. Can't wait to see the finished product.

Rosebud Collection said...

We found a penny here 1797..dug it up in the garden..I always pick up pennies..heck, I think it is fun..
What a pretty ring it will make..
Where is your Shadow shot?

CSD Faux Finishing said...

I am in love with this idea! What a fantastic ring! I bet this is going to come out amazing. Any idea what kind of stone you'll go with? Emerald would set off against silver & copper really well, just a thought :o)

Michelle H. said...

Very nice! A little good luck goes a long way, and what better way is there to carry it.

Splendid Little Stars said...

saw your post on an etsy forum and just had to tell you I have a black and white cat who looks very much like yours!

Andrea said...

What a GORGEOUS ring!

I LUFF it!

Kim said...

I love this design!