Sun & Moon Disc Pendant
The Sun and Moon Disc Pendant reflects ancient art from both Irish and Sri Lankan cultures. Days spent exploring the Irish Gold collection at the archaeology museum in Dublin drew me to the forms and etchings found on golden sun discs, spools, and torcs. The conical shape at the centre of the pendant is seen in many of these designs. While its exact meaning is unclear, I like to think of it as a representation of a source; a beginning or point of energy. I carved this point in wax before casting it into silver and combining it with sheet metal and wire to create the form.
The engraved design depicts a lotus flower, one of Sri Lanka’s national symbols. I chose the half-moon shape to echo a Sri Lankan architectural feature called a Sandakana Pahana, or “moonstone,” found at the base of stairways leading to temples. The lotus represents Nirvana, or enlightenment, and each concentric band represents an element of the cycle of Samsāra, which in Budhissm is the beginningless cycle of repeated birth, existence and death.
The translation of ‘sandakada pahana’ : sanda = moon / kada = art / pahana = stone. You can see my photograph of this from my visit to the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi temple in Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka.
Additional Information
Measurements
Pendant 40mm wide
Pearl drops 2.5mm long
Chain length 16" or 18"Making Process
This design has been handmade in my workshop and hand engraved by a master engraver here in Ireland. The design is recreated using the casting process, and each pendant is hand finished in my studio using traditional goldsmithing tools and techniques. Slight variations in the finish and pearls may occur, making each one unique.
HallmarkingThis pendant will be hallmarked by the Dublin Assay Office and stamped with my makers mark.
Ordering & Delivery
Please allow up to 4 weeks for dispatch. This item will be made to order unless I have it already in stock. If you would like your order by a certain date, please get in touch before purchasing.Bespoke Options
This pendant can be made in other metals or with different gemstones. For more information please see my guide here and contact me directly to discuss.
Christmas Ordering
I’m an independent maker, and each piece is crafted by hand in my Co. Down studio. Because of this, lead times will vary, especially during the busy Christmas period, so thank you for bearing that in mind when ordering.
If an item is listed as “Available to Order”, this means I already have it in progress in the workshop. These pieces can usually be completed and ready to ship within 2 weeks.
If an item is listed as “Pre-Order”, the longer lead times outlined in the product description will apply (typically 4–6 weeks).
If you’re hoping to receive a piece in time for Christmas and are unsure whether it will arrive in time, please feel free to get in touch before ordering. I’m always happy to let you know what I currently have in stock, what’s already in progress, and how quickly I can ship.
Last Posting Dates for Christmas
UK: Monday 22nd December
Ireland: Thursday 18th December
Worldwide: For outside UK & IRL please get in touch directly