Decorative Metal Coins and Coin Pendants for Decoration

Metal coins are primarily used for making Martenitsa bracelets - a traditional Bulgarian bracelet made of red and white thread, worn on March 1st. The decorative metal coins you will find in our stores closely resemble the so-called “pendari,” which are traditional Bulgarian gold coins ornaments used for folk costumes.

In the past, according to Bulgarian traditions, pendari were used to make special hanging ornaments where the coins were strung on threads and attached to earrings, belts, or other similar accessories belonging to the Bulgarian national women’s folk costume.

As people often said, “a girl without jingling pendari coins cannot find a suitor,” implying that without these traditional ornaments, a girl would not be able to find a husband. During Ottoman rule in Bulgaria, patriarchal traditions and relations still dominated, so every family followed the custom of demonstrating their social status through the amount of gold they possessed, with the easiest way being the opulent and rich women’s costumes, jewelry, and decorations.

A curious fact is that pendari coins or the “petalira” - the gold coin used in the Ottoman Empire, are now equivalent to 5 Turkish lira or 500 kurus. It weighed about 32-35 grams and was about 22 karats of gold.

In folk traditions, pendari gold coins were used as women’s jewelry and gifts during christenings. In wealthier families, large gold medallions were given to newborn children.

Pendari did not necessarily have to be gold. However, it was important for a woman to have ornaments – an essential element of her clothing and a prerequisite to present herself if she was a maiden. However, not all families had gold, so pendari coins made of silver, silver-plated copper, gold-plated silver, bronze, brass, and others were also common.

Besides being used as decorations on clothes and accessories like national costumes and amulets, metal coins can also be used to make unique martenitsa bracelets. Martenitsas made with metal coins combine two Bulgarian traditions – the intertwined white and red thread, symbolizing health and prosperity throughout the year, and the coins, symbolizing the typical Bulgarian jewelry.

Decorative metal coins can also be made into bracelets for the wrist or ankle. This is something you are unlikely to find ready-made anywhere else. You can make them for yourself or as a gift for a loved one, with or without a special occasion. What could be better than a handmade gift from a loved one closely linked to Bulgarian traditions?

Look back to the past and breathe new life into metal coins by including them in your project or idea for decorating clothes, accessories, or why not delight all your close friends, relatives, and colleagues with handmade Martenitsa for the next 1st of March. You certainly won’t go wrong! You will show people around your Bulgarian roots, symbols, and traditions!

Explore a Wide Selection of Metal Coins and Coin Pendants

EM ART’s metal coins for decoration feature a diverse range of designs, decorations, and sizes. Our collection includes coins and coin pendants with silver and gold coatings and metallic silver finishes. Most coins are equipped with an external loop for effortless stringing. Each set comprises 50 pieces, making them ideal for embellishing clothing, accessories or creating unique projects.

Price Range

All sets of metal coins and coin pendants offered on EM ART can be found at surprisingly low prices!

Why choosing EM ART?

EM ART is an online store for art and craft supplies, tools, and a variety of decorations for all hobby creators. In other words, EM ART is the perfect place for true professionals, enthusiasts, and beginners looking to learn something new or find a new hobby.

At EM ART, you will find everything you need for your new project or hobby.