Change, anyone?

It’s been a long time since Australians used any copper coins, but that’s what my fingers smell like when I handle this necklace.

I bought this Baroque-style pendant as an art student from a second hand shop somewhere, when funds were scarce. I am sure I paid mere pennies for it too. That was in the days before everyone was scouring op shops for treasures cradled amongst the dross; when jewellery was piled in a heap, not hung on proper shop fittings.

Then, I loved its intricate curlicues and textured surface; the warm tone of the copper. Because it was made from an inferior metal, I imagined it was made by a jewellery student. I liked that notion: a first year student’s piece inherited by another impecunious art student.

In those days I wore it often (and found it dirtied my tops); now it resides in a jewellery box waiting for a renaissance.