Every Mintique of Cambridge ring begins long before the hammer or torch ever touch metal. It starts with a single coin - one that’s been carefully chosen for its condition, composition, and character.
When we transform history into something you will wear every day, the quality of that starting coin matters more than anything else.
Take this quick quiz to find your perfect coin ring!
The Art of selection
We inspect every coin under magnification before deciding whether it’s worthy of becoming a Mintique of Cambridge ring. Some are instantly ruled out; others are so pristine they stop us in our tracks! Each coin tells a story but we’re looking for pieces that combine clear detail, sound metal, and just enough character to remind you it’s lived a life before yours.
Coin grades
Coins are graded by condition, from Proof and Brilliant Uncirculated (BU) down through Uncirculated, Extremely Fine, Very Fine, Fine, and so on.
| Grade | Abbreviation | Description | Typical Features | Suitability for Jewellery |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Proof | — | Specially struck for collectors using polished dies and planchets. Ultra-high detail, mirror finish. | Perfect surfaces, no wear, frosted and mirror contrasts. | ❌ Usually kept as collector’s pieces. |
| Brilliant Uncirculated | BU | Mint-condition coin not intended for circulation. | Sharp detail, no handling marks, bright lustre. | ✅ Excellent - ideal if the design and date remain crisp after forming. |
| Uncirculated | UNC | Never circulated but may show slight contact marks from minting or storage. | Full detail, strong shine, minimal blemishes. | ✅ Very good choice - preserves clarity and structure. |
| Extremely Fine | EF / XF | Lightest signs of wear on the highest points of design. | Almost full detail, minor high-point rub. | ✅ Good balance of character and condition. |
| Very Fine | VF | Slight overall wear; all major details visible. | Portrait and lettering clear, moderate smoothness on edges. | ✅ Often ideal for coin rings - readable date with subtle patina. |
| Fine | F | Moderate to considerable wear; design still clear. | Date and legend legible, surfaces show even wear. | ⚠️ Sometimes usable if date is strong and edge is sound. |
| Good / Fair / Poor | G / FR / P | Heavily worn, detail lost, rims merging into field. | Faint outline of design, weak or missing date. | ❌ Not suitable - insufficient detail or structural strength. |
For jewellery, we typically select Very Fine to Uncirculated coins. These have crisp detail - the date, the monarch’s portrait, the edge - without being so flawless they feel sterile.
Why we only use sterling silver
We currently work exclusively with sterling silver coins - that’s 92.5% silver and 7.5% copper. This alloy strikes the perfect balance between beauty, strength, and malleability.
100% pure silver, by contrast, is too soft. It can crack, distort, or lose definition during forming.
Historically, British silver coins changed composition over time:
-
Pre-1920: 92.5% sterling silver
-
1920–1946: 50% silver
-
Post-1947: cupronickel (no silver)
That means only coins minted before 1920 are candidates for our silver rings - each one a genuine piece of British history.
Checking the details
Before shaping begins, we look for:
-
Sharp date and lettering. Some coins (especially sixpences) have tiny dates that easily wear down. If the date isn’t immaculate, the coin won’t make the cut.
-
Clean reeded edges. Dents or dings can expand into visible marks once the coin is stretched.
-
No pitting or deep scratches. We allow small signs of life, but avoid flaws that weaken the structure.
-
Hidden cracks. Sometimes silver fractures only reveal themselves once heated or stretched - those coins are retired immediately.
Matching coin to ring size
Not every coin suits every finger. Smaller coins like sixpences create delicate rings but can only stretch so far - a sixpence isn’t ideal for a size Z, for example.
Larger coins such as half crowns, on the other hand, would need to be dramatically reduced to reach a small size like L, which can distort the design.
Part of our craft lies in pairing each coin with the size range where it will shine and hold its shape beautifully.
For more information about ring sizing head over to this page: The Perfect Fit Method.
Character, not perfection
A Mintique of Cambridge ring should never look mass-produced. A faint nick or a soft highlight - these are marks of history, not flaws.
We aim for the sweet spot: a coin that’s lived but not tired, rich with story yet strong enough to begin a new chapter on your hand.
Craftsmanship and quality control
Every coin is annealed, shaped, cleaned, and polished by hand to order in our Cambridge workshop. Throughout the process we re-inspect for cracks, unevenness, or metal fatigue. Coins that don’t meet our standards aren’t discarded.
Why it matters
The difference between a Mintique of Cambridge coin ring and an ordinary ring isn’t just in the skilled making - it’s in the choosing. Each piece begins with a promise: that only the strongest, most beautiful, most story-filled coins become part of our collection.
Because when you wear a Mintique of Cambridge ring, you’re not just wearing silver. You’re wearing a moment in history, hand-selected to last a lifetime.
Find your perfect ring on our 'All rings' collection page.
Not sure which is best for you? Take our quick coin ring quiz to get your personalised recommendation!
0 comments