Tanit Collection
A rich tapestry of past centuries is woven into these captivating, one-of-a-kind creations. We search the world over for ancient coins imbued with the beauty and strength of women. The Tanit Collection embodies the powerful feminine presence of the past, present, and future. As precious as rare gemstones, these coins are set with a modern aesthetic designed to appeal to the woman of today. Each piece is a unique, wearable work of art, handmade by master goldsmiths who exalt—never alter—every coin selected for the Tanit Collection. Elegant modern design resonates with the power and history of women who will live on with you. who came before us and those who will come after. It is a celebration of feminine strength, beauty, and resilience that resonates with all women.
The Tanit cuff bracelet showcases an exquisite 18 mm bronze coin from the Carthaginian Empire minted in Sardinia, dating back to circa 300-264 BC. The coin is elegantly encased in 18 karat rose gold, embellished with a pavé-setting that sparkles with 40 black diamonds. The cuff is entirely flexible making it easy to wear and perfectly secure.
The goddess Tanit, wearing a wreath of corn-sprays and foliage, a necklace adorned with pendants, and a triple-pendant earring, was idolised in the ancient city of Carthage, located in present-day Tunisia (see Story). Her worship spanned across the vast expanse of the Punic Empire, with her iconic depictions discovered in various regions of the western Mediterranean, such as Sicily, Malta, Ibiza, Sardinia, Granada, and Cadiz. Tanit was reverenced as the goddess of war, the nurturing mother goddess, and the embodiment of fertility.
The design of the coin draws inspiration from the renowned Arethusa coin of Syracuse (see Story). The features of the goddess, including her jewellery, are intricately preserved, allowing for a meticulous examination of the design. The reverse shows the horse’s bust, facing to the right. The coin’s stunning brown patina adds to its exquisite allure, showcasing its exceptional beauty in a very fine plus (VF+) condition.
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“Each coin is unique, but all have one element in common: a woman’s touch. I am focused on incorporating coins that represent a female figure of power to enhance the femininity of these creations and showcase the role of women in history. Antique coins representing female figures are much rarer than coins depicting male rulers or gods. Therefore, the quest for the perfect coin can take time and patience is key, but I think this aspect of the collection is truly Sassi.
Renilde Vervoort
The Tanit ring exudes elegance with a captivating 20 mm bronze coin hailing from the esteemed Carthaginian Empire, minted in Sardinia during the period of circa 300-264 BC. Meticulously set in lustrous 18 karat rose gold, the coin is further embellished with the dazzling radiance of 28 black diamonds.
Depicted on the coin is the worshipped goddess Tanit, adorned with a wreath of barley and leaves, a necklace with pendants, and an earring with three pendants. Tanit held a position of great significance as the chief deity of ancient Carthage, located in present-day Tunisia (see Story). Carthage, once a Phoenician colony, flourished into the formidable Punic Empire, exerting its dominance over vast regions of the Southwest Mediterranean during the first millennium BC.
Her portrait shows her as a strong-willed, fierce young woman. The coin is preserved in an exceptionally fine condition (XF), allowing for intricate details of Tanit’s features and jewellery to be admired. The reverse shows the horse’s bust, facing to the right, with pellet and crescent. Its exquisite brown patina further adds to its allure, showcasing its timeless beauty.
Besides telling the story of ancient civilisations, ancient artefacts inspire and link to a wearer’s own story. Each Tanit piece becomes an extraordinary, one-of-a-kind creation, imbued with a rich heritage and a history. This exceptional fusion of art, history, craftsmanship and individuality propels Tanit pieces to transcend the ordinary and evolve into cherished heirlooms.
The Isis – Cleopatra pendant showcases a remarkable 28 mm bronze coin that was minted in Alexandria during the period of circa 186-175 BC. The coin is tastefully set in 18 karat rose gold adorned with 62 black diamonds that complete the missing circle around Isis. The pendant is suspended from a black rhodium-plated silver chain with a gold Sassi lock. The S-shaped design of the lock is reminiscent of historical lock designs found in ancient jewellery pieces.
Depicted on the coin is Cleopatra I, portrayed as the revered goddess Isis, wearing a wreath of corn or barley and distinctive corkscrew locks.
Cleopatra I was a notable Ptolemaic queen who ascended to power after the unexpected death of her husband in 180 BC. Her son, Ptolemy VI, was crowned king at the tender age of six, and Cleopatra assumed the role of regent. Coins were minted during their joint authority, including the coin featured here.
The powerful goddess Isis was associated with motherhood, the afterlife and life cycles. Cleopatra aligned herself with Isis, often donning the attire of the goddess for ceremonial occasions. Cleopatra utilised the idolatry of Isis to bolster her image as a ruler, and this coin serves as a remarkable testament to her strategic use of religion to maintain her position of power. The coin’s condition is very fine (VF), adding to its significance and allure.
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These coins offer a unique window to the past, spanning many centuries and cultures. Each coin is carefully selected for its beauty and rarity and then set into an elegant, modern piece of jewellery designed to enhance its beauty, patina, and symbolism.
The Roma ring is a unique piece of jewellery that features an 18 mm silver coin minted in 77 BC. The coin depicts the she-wolf facing left, with her right forepaw raised, and the inscription “ROMA” above and “P·SATRIE/NVS” in the exergue.
The she-wolf is an iconic symbol of Rome, representing the legendary founders of the city, Romulus and Remus, who were nursed by a she-wolf after being abandoned as infants.
The coin is set in an 18 karat yellow gold ring, with the arches of an aqueduct on the sides, paying homage to the engineering marvels of Roman aqueducts. Aqueducts were crucial for supplying water to the city centres, enabling the Romans to enjoy amenities such as public toilets, underground sewage systems, ornate fountains, and public baths. The aqueducts, first developed around 312 BC, used gravity to transport water over long distances, some as far as 100 km, and many are still standing today.
The coin itself is a Denarius minted by Publius Satrienus, a notable moneyer in the Roman Republic. The obverse of the coin is visible and depicts the helmeted head of Roma facing right. The coin is considered scarce and is in a very fine condition (VF) with a beautiful patina, adding to its historical and numismatic value.
Overall, the Roma ring is a significant piece of jewellery that combines historical symbolism, architectural inspiration, and numismatic artistry, representing the rich cultural heritage and achievements of ancient Rome.
The history and integrity of each coin is very important to us. No modifications are made, and the structure of every coin remains unaltered.
The two silver coins, minted by notable moneyers in the Roman Republic, are carefully set in frosted yellow gold. The fine gold granulation on the half-spheres creates a beautiful contrast. The Roma coin was minted by Pinarius Natta in 155 BC, while the she-wolf coin was minted in 77 BC by Publius Satrienus.
The earrings are a testament to the historical significance of the goddess Roma and the she-wolf in Roman culture. Roma, personifying the city of Rome and the Roman State, was often depicted as a symbol of strength and power, wearing a winged helmet that represents victory. The she-wolf, on the other hand, was a symbol of Rome’s legendary origins and nurturing care, as depicted in the myth of Romulus and Remus. The combination of these symbols in the earrings is meaningful and reflects the importance of these figures in Roman history.
The use of silver coins from the Roman Republic further adds to the historical significance of the earrings. A Denarius was the standard silver coin used in Rome during that period, and moneyers like Panarius Natta and Publius Satrienus were entrusted with the responsibility of controlling the coin production process, including designing the coins themselves. Owning these coins in the form of earrings not only showcases their beauty but also carries a sense of connection to the rich history of Rome.
The attention to detail is evident in the design of the earrings: the posts are attached to half spheres that are decorated with fine gold granules, showcasing the millennia-old technique of granulation that has been passed down through the ages. This adds a touch of intricacy and elegance to the earrings, highlighting the skill and artistry of our goldsmith-artisans.
The backside of the Roma coin by Panarius Natta, depicts the goddess Victory riding a biga (a two-horse chariot) to the right, with the inscription “NAT” below and “ROMA” in the exergue, and is in extremely fine (XF) condition. The backside of the she-wolf coin featuring the helmeted goddess Roma is equally considered extremely fine (XF), reinforcing the connection between the goddess Roma and the founding myth of Rome in the form of the she-wolf.
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As rare as precious stones, ancient coins are only sourced from reputable numismatic dealers and auction houses. Each piece in the Tanit Collection comes with a certificate of authenticity and is engraved with the name of the goddess, nymph or ruler represented and the date and location of the coin’s minting.
The inclusion of an ancient bronze coin from the city of Himera in Sicily, minted around 420-409 BC, adds historical and cultural significance to the flexible cuff bracelet: in 409 BC, the city was destroyed by the Carthaginian army and never rebuilt. The coin’s extremely fine (XF) condition with an attractive dark patina, almost 2,500 years old, indicates its well-preserved state, and is extremely rare.
The nymph Himera is depicted in detail, wearing a sphendone (a headband), a pendant earring, and a double necklace. Nymphs in Greek mythology were considered minor divinities associated with nature and creativity, they were often depicted as beautiful maidens. The laurel wreath on the reverse of the coin, symbolising victory, adds another layer of significance to the bracelet.
The use of 18 karat rose gold and the inclusion of 40 grey sapphires in a pavé setting, along with black rhodium, enhances the overall aesthetic appeal of the cuff bracelet. The flexible and comfortable design of the cuff adds to its wearability.
The Himera cuff bracelet with its extremely rare coin, elegant design, and exquisite details, including the fine depiction of the nymph Himera, makes it a unique and meaningful piece of jewellery.
“Each piece of jewellery is truly one-of-a-kind and this to me is the real essence of preciousness.”
Renilde Vervoort
The Nikè ring features a Roman carnelian intaglio dating from the first or second century AD. The intaglio is set in an 18 karat rose gold ring, its design is inspired by Hellenistic models depicting Nikè, the goddess of victory. The intaglio is carved in reverse into a hard gemstone, allowing for the correct image to appear when pressed into a soft material like wax.
The depiction of Nikè in profile with gathered hair and small wings on her shoulders is a delicate and beautiful representation of the goddess. The use of carnelian, a gemstone, adds to the preciousness of the ring. The imprint of the intaglio in gold, as it would appear in a wax seal, gives it a unique touch to the design.
The history and significance of intaglios as personal seals in ancient times adds a layer of intrigue to the Nikè ring. The fact that female representations in intaglios are extremely rare makes this piece even more special, suggesting that it may have belonged to a woman with particular verve and panache.
The small cord design on the ring, reminiscent of ancient Roman jewellery, adds to its overall aesthetic appeal. The use of 18 karat rose gold for the setting complements the carnelian intaglio, creating a harmonious and elegant piece of jewellery.
The Nikè ring is a unique and meaningful piece that combines ancient craftsmanship with modern design, showcasing the beauty of the Roman carnelian intaglio and the symbolic representation of Nikè, the goddess of victory.
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We imagine a setting that will enhance the colour, patina, shape and symbolism, so as to create a piece of jewellery that, although sensitive to historical narrative and context, in its style is unmistakably modern.
This Tanit ring features an exceptionally rare and superb silver quarter of a shekel that was minted in the city of Carthage around 220-210 BC, measuring 14 mm in diameter. The goddess Tanit is depicted, looking to the left, adorned with a crown of wheat, a necklace, and a single-drop earring, showcasing her regal and divine presence. The reverse of the coin features a standing horse looking to the right. The coin is set in a ring made of 18 karat yellow gold, surrounded by 75 blue-grey sapphires, adding a captivating and mesmerising sparkle. The ring is designed to be reversible, allowing you to wear it from both sides, showcasing either the goddess Tanit or the elegant horse design.
Tanit was the most highly regarded goddess in the Tyrian colony of Carthage, and her worship became popular in the Western Mediterranean region after the separation between Carthage and Tyre in the fifth century BC. As the chief deity of Carthage, Tanit was believed to be the protector of the city and its people, associated with fertility, abundance, and feminine power.
Not only does this exquisite Tanit ring showcase the beauty of the rare coin featuring the goddess and the horse, symbol for Carthage, but it also pays homage to the rich history and culture of the Phoenician empire and civilisation. The wonderful patina on the coin adds a sense of antiquity and mystique to the ring, making it a truly exceptional piece of jewellery that embodies the symbol of feminine power and elegance. With its reversible design, captivating history, and exquisite craftsmanship, this remarkable ring is the perfect statement piece to be cherished for generations to come.
These artefacts span thousands of years. With each coin in our possession, we become their custodians, their curators, of an irreplaceable piece of cultural heritage, not to possess but to preserve and pass on to the next generations in an unbroken chain of history that stretched back to the ages.
This Tanit pendant is a one-of-a-kind piece that features a 19.8 mm bronze coin from the Carthaginian Empire, which was minted in Sardinia during the period of 300-264 BC. The unique pendant is crafted in 18 karat rose gold and embellished with 36 black diamonds, completing the missing part of the circle. The pendant hangs from a grey rhodium-plated silver chain that is secured with a gold Sassi lock. The lock’s S-shaped design pays homage to the historical lock designs found in ancient jewellery pieces. The exquisite craftsmanship and attention to detail make this pendant a stunning piece of jewellery.
The front of the coin showcases the Punic goddess Tanit, wearing a barley leaf wreath, a necklace with drop pendants, and an earring with three long pendants. The reverse of the coin features a profile bust of a horse and a star.
Tanit was a venerated Punic goddess who rose to prominence as the chief deity of Carthage, a powerful Phoenician colony that developed into the Punic Empire, dominating the southwestern part of the Mediterranean during the first millennium BC. According to legend, Queen Alyssa, originally from Tyre in present-day Lebanon, founded the city of Carthage. Tyre was renowned for its production of Tyrian purple, the most expensive natural dye known (see The Secret of Berenice Story) which accounted for the wealth of the empire. The knowledge of making Tyrian purple traveled with the first settlers, and the dye played a significant role in the empire’s trade, requiring the use of coins as a medium of exchange.
Our Tanit pendant is not only a stunning piece of jewellery but also a reflection of the rich history and cultural significance of Carthage and the Phoenician civilisation. The combination of the ancient coin with its exceptional patina, the precious gold and the black diamonds create a unique and meaningful piece of jewellery, a symbol of feminine power, cultural heritage and timeless beauty.
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The key difference between old and new is, quite simply, that antique pieces possess a soul. Once chosen we study, research and sample materials to achieve a desired texture or colour to match the coin.
This stupendous Fortuna ring features a Roman carnelian intaglio (12.5 x 16 x 1.5 mm) dating from the first or second century AD, set in 18 karat rose gold, with an imprint of the goddess Fortuna as it would appear in wax, and adorned with 28 vibrant orange sapphires.
The carnelian intaglio depicts Fortuna, the Roman goddess of fortune and abundance, holding a cornucopia, the horn of plenty, symbolising wealth and prosperity. The rudder at her feet represents her ability to steer and alter the fate of individuals. This impressive intaglio, originally used as a seal instead of a signature, once belonged to a wealthy individual in the Roman Empire and is a testament to their status and taste.
To showcase the exact appearance of the imprint in wax, we have recreated it in lustrous gold. The orange sapphires, carefully chosen for their vibrant colour, add a captivating pop of hue to this remarkable ring, enhancing its allure and beauty.
Intaglios have a rich history as personal seals used long before the practice of signing documents became commonplace. These intricately carved images in reverse in hard materials, such as glass or gemstones, were set in signet rings and pressed into hot wax to leave their owner’s mark. They were highly valued as treasured possessions, with symbols chosen carefully to reflect personal meaning, making them a significant piece of jewellery.
Our Fortuna ring is a testament to the exquisite craftsmanship and timeless elegance of intaglios, with the added touch of luxury from the use of gold and dazzling orange sapphires. The power and symbolism of Fortuna comes to life in this remarkable piece of jewellery, that can be yours to own.
Carefully selected antique bronze and silver coins, which had been left to gather dust in forgotten safes, have been resurrected in unique pieces of jewellery.
The Histiaia earrings are a remarkable showcase of ancient Greek coins from the city of Histiaia on the island of Euboia. These coins, minted in the third century BC, depict the nymph Histiaia and are set in frosted yellow gold with ear-clips that have fold-down posts for ease of wearing.
On the front side of the coins, Histiaia is depicted looking to the right, adorned with a sphendone (head scarf), a vine wreath, earrings, and a necklace. On the reverse side, she is seated on the stern of a galley with billowing sails. Histiaia was believed to inhabit a spring in the city of Histiaia.
We managed to obtain two coins minted at the same time, however, one was struck off-centre (VF). To restore the face of Histiaia to her full beauty, a millennia-old technique of lost wax was used to recreate the missing part of her profile. A wax-imprint was made from the other finely minted coin, and new silver was poured to complete the missing part of her profile. The restored silver was carefully nestled against the original, unaltered coin, intentionally showing the difference between the freshly poured silver and the ancient silver. This sensitive restoration honours the past, while bringing a new dimension to these truly unique earrings.
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Setting a coin in a piece of jewellery requires special care to preserve its numismatic value. Sassi’s expert artisans mount every coin between two bezels—often following irregular contours—and implement ingenious designs so that the reverse of the coin is also exposed.
Crafted with exceptional attention to detail, the Demeter ring features a rare 20 mm silver coin from the ancient city-state of Metapontion in Magna Graecia. This stunning coin dates back to circa 400-350 BC and is set in 18 karat frosted yellow gold, adorned with 35 grey sapphires that add a touch of elegance and sophistication.
The front side of the coin showcases the goddess Demeter, who is depicted wearing a fashionable head scarf called sphendone, which was in vogue from about 500-330 BC. The sphendone was worn low to cover the hair, tied in a bun, and leave the crown of the head exposed. Demeter is also adorned with a necklace and an earring featuring a long pendant. On the reverse side of the coin, an ear of barley, the pride and prosperity of the city-state, is depicted.
As the Greek goddess of the harvest and agriculture, Demeter presided over crops, grains, food, and the fertility of the earth. Metapontion, a Greek colony in Southern Italy, enjoyed rapid growth and considerable prosperity due to the fertility of its land. Hence, the choice of Demeter as the icon on this coin is quite evident. The coins of Metapontion are renowned for their exquisite workmanship, and this rare, very fine coin is no exception.
We quest for ancient artefacts takes us on a journey across the globe, as we seek out coins and intaglios that are imbued with the timeless beauty and strength of women.
The Athena bracelet is a remarkable piece of jewellery that features a 23 mm silver coin from Athens, minted around 449-413 BC. The coin is set in 18 karat yellow gold and adorned with 26 grey sapphires. One of the unique features of the bracelet is that it can be worn showing either side of the ancient coin, allowing the wearer to appreciate both the obverse and reverse designs.
The obverse side of the coin depicts Athena, the patron and protectress goddess of Athens, wearing a crested helmet adorned with three olive leaves and a floral scroll. Athena was associated with wisdom, warfare, and craftsmanship, particularly in metalwork. She was believed to assist in the forging of armour and weapons, and was honoured as the embodiment of disciplined and strategic warfare in support of just causes.
The reverse side of the coin features the owl of Athena, which was the iconic symbol of the Athenian polis and represented wisdom. The owl is shown with an olive sprig and crescent moon, further emphasising Athena’s association with wisdom and the Athenian reverence for the olive tree, which was considered sacred to the city.
This type of coin was widely circulated in ancient Greece from about 510-338 BC and facilitated trade throughout the region due to its consistent value. Athens had its own silver mines, which allowed them to mint these coins and establish them as a reliable currency. The coin was not only adopted by many other city-states in Greece, but also in other areas such as Asia Minor, Magna Graecia, and Greek colonial cities in the Mediterranean. It even spread to other parts of Asia through the conquests of Alexander the Great, making it the first international currency.
The historical significance of this type of coin is further enhanced by the belief that it may have been the type of coin that Judas received when he betrayed Jesus Christ, as mentioned in the Bible. This adds to the rich history and cultural significance of the Athena bracelet, making it a truly unique piece of jewellery.
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"I do love my bracelet and have been wearing it daily, a gentle reminder of the virtues Athena represents."
Individually crafted by our master-goldsmiths, each piece is a unique, wearable work of art with a timeless appeal.
The Athena necklace is a stunning piece of jewellery that features a Roman carnelian intaglio (14 x 10.4 x 2.7 mm) dating back to the second century AD. The intaglio is carved with great skill and precision, depicting the goddess Athena, the Greek goddess of wisdom, courage and strategic warfare. In the intaglio, Athena is shown standing, leaning on a column with her shield at her feet, while holding the aegis, a symbol of her divine power and protection. She is also wearing a helmet, symbolising her prowess in war.
The intaglio is set in an 18 karat rose gold bezel, adorned with blue sapphires, a wonderful colour contrast and complementing the warm hues of the carnelian. The imprint of the intaglio in gold shows the exact appearance and fine details of the carved image, as the imprint in wax. The necklace is designed to be versatile, offering multiple ways to wear it. It can be worn as a lariat, above the gold imprint or below, with the Sassi lock hooked in the chain wherever the wearer desires, or as a sautoir, with the option to attach it to a foldable eyelet, invisible if not in use.
The gold Sassi lock, with its shortened logo in an S-shape, is inspired by ancient Roman and Greek antique locks used in jewellery. The use of the Sassi lock in the Athena necklace adds a functional aspect to the piece, allowing it to be worn as a lariat or sautoir.
The combination of the Roman carnelian intaglio, the rose gold bezel, blue sapphires, and the gold Sassi lock creates a harmonious blend of ancient and contemporary aesthetics in the Athena necklace. It is a testament to the enduring appeal and inspiration drawn from the art and culture of the past, reinterpreted in a modern and luxurious piece of jewellery.
Whether you are as enthusiastic about antique artefacts as we are or not, there is an enthralling charm in wearing a bejeweled piece of history that dates back thousands of years.
This Carthaginian tetradrachm (26 mm), minted around 330-320 in Sicily, is a remarkable example of the syncretism of Greek and Punic cultures during that period. The coin features the head of Tanit, a prominent goddess in the Punic Empire and patroness of Carthage, wearing a wreath of grain leaves, a triple pendant earring and a pearl necklace. The depiction of Tanit is identical to the Arethusa coin signed by Euainetos and minted in Syracuse, Sicily.
The Arethusa coin signed by Euainetos is a critically important work of ancient coinage, widely regarded as a masterpiece of Greek numismatic art. It features the head of the nymph Arethusa surrounded by dolphins. The design is celebrated for its stunning level of detail and exquisite execution. Euainetos was one of the most renowned engravers of his time, and his Arethusa coin is considered a prime example of his skill and artistry. The coin was highly influential and served as a model for numerous other coin designs throughout the ancient world.
The fact that the head of Tanit on the Carthaginian tetradrachm is identical to the Arethusa coin signed by Euainetos only adds to the significance of this exceptional piece of ancient numismatic history. The reverse side of the coin features an unbridled horse leaping up and facing three-quarters to the right, in front of a palm tree with two date-clusters. The design is executed in a magnificent Greek style. This extremely fine (XF) coin is very rare and beautifully toned. It is set in a tasteful, frosted yellow gold casing that enhances its beauty and showcases its artistic craftsmanship.
The location of the main Carthaginian mint in Sicily has recently been identified as Entella, a fortress city located in central-west Sicily. Founded by the Trojans in the 500s BC, Entella was conquered by Campanian mercenaries in about 410 BC, who quickly sold their services to the Carthaginians. The city remained a Punic stronghold through most of the fourth century BC.
This exquisite Carthaginian tetradrachm showcases the rich artistic and cultural exchange between Greek and Punic civilisations during a fascinating period of history. Its intricate design, rare status, and significant references to the work of Euainetos make it an exceptional piece of ancient coinage that continues to captivate numismatists and enthusiasts alike.
Our Tanit necklace and bracelet can be ordered here and here in your choice of yellow or rose gold, allowing you to mix and match to suit your personal style. Thanks to the hidden clasps, the bracelet can be seamlessly combined with the necklace to increase its length, allowing you to customise and choose that perfect look that’s uniquely you.
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Owning a coin is not just owning a piece of history, but also a piece of art that has survived the test of time, bearing witness to the craftsmanship and creativity of ancient civilizations that have long since passed into memory.
