Welcome to Quick Silver Mint, where every piece of jewelry is crafted with intention and infused with meaning. We draw inspiration from enduring symbols and timeless wisdom, creating objects that resonate beyond their form. Our process is a blend of innovative craftsmanship and a deep respect for heritage, aiming to connect you with beauty that holds a deeper story.
A Legacy Forged in Passion: Michael Stewart’s Vision
The journey of Quick Silver Mint began over four decades ago, sparked not by machinery but by the visionary spirit of our founder, Michael Stewart, MA. An artist with a diverse background in sculpture, jewelry-making, and visual arts, Michael was captivated by the timeless language of symbols, meticulously researching their origins and meanings before bringing them to life.
In the 1970s, Michael started his quest. While concepts like the labyrinth and spiral fascinated him, his initial designs aligned more closely with Native American principles. His experiences living with Native Americans profoundly deepened his understanding, revealing the sacred concepts embedded in their stories and traditions, such as the unity of community and nature. Shortly after this, Michael began working at the original Faire in Agoura Hills. There, armed with just a log, five dies, and a sledgehammer, he physically pounded out his first designs like a strongman at a carnival. His first designs included the Tree of Life, the Eagle, the Snake, the Sun, and the Moon.
We now have over 160 designs. Michael brings his talent as a sculptor to every piece; he carves and crafts each design from wax, then hand-carves the first die into steel. While many designs are still hand-crafted by him, he has also taught and collaborated with other talented artists over the years, ensuring each piece carries a distinct human touch.
This fascination with alchemy—the ancient pursuit of transformation—became a cornerstone, giving Quick Silver Mint its profound meaning. Alchemy, mercury (quicksilver) symbolizes the mediator between the physical and spiritual. This powerful metaphor perfectly captures our mission: to create beautiful, tangible pieces that carry a more profound connection, allowing you to wear not just something lovely but a genuine expression of ancient wisdom and personal meaning.
Our craft has humble beginnings, sparked by a drawing we discovered recently, made over 40 years ago. This doodle, inspired by Michael’s interest in Leonardo da Vinci, fueled his innovative spirit. Over three decades ago, Michael sketched his first design and realized that manually swinging a sledgehammer in crowded fairgrounds wasn’t practical for production. This led to the creation of his unique Drop Hammer—a remarkable invention that transformed the coin-making process with exceptional precision and artistry. At the fairs, where we began, these creations are known as our Coin Mints or medallions, each one a testament to this innovative method.
This isn’t just equipment; it’s a monumental force. Our primary hammer, a massive 180-pound titan, ascends nine feet before descending with the raw power of 40 tons of force. This immense energy imprints itself upon our medallions and talismans, not just intricate designs, but the very essence of their sacred meaning. While the majority of our hammers are still hand-cranked – a testament to our hands-on approach and to save Michael’s (and his collaborators’) shoulders, especially as he nears 80 – we’ve recently constructed a new, electrically-powered hammer to meet growing demand. Even now, Michael continues to modify and embellish his machines, always with new drawings and ideas. Customers love witnessing this powerful machine at work; its sheer force and precision are a testament to the magic it embodies.
What started as one man’s passion has blossomed into a thriving community. Quick Silver Mint is now the work of many hands and hearts. Michael’s vision attracted skilled artisans; some were nurtured under his direct mentorship, while others brought their craftsmanship to collaborate with him. Each member contributes unique artistry and dedication to our craft. For instance, Craig, a pivotal figure in our team, initially began as a customer who integrated our medallions into his crafts. Over time, as Michael focused more on design and innovation, Craig’s involvement deepened, becoming instrumental in our production efforts, particularly for the online section of our business. This partnership ensures our legacy continues and expands. This collective has traveled the country for decades, sharing Quick Silver Mint and its hand-minted medallions at Renaissance Faires and festivals, inviting countless individuals to connect with their enduring beauty and meaning.
Our Shared Purpose: Connecting Through Symbols
For us, working with customers is mostly about listening. We take the time to explain the profound meaning behind our symbols. As we talk with them, especially about our unique pieces, we’re often moved by their stories and feel the side benefit of witnessing the light or ‘magic’ within them. It’s a true joy to hear these personal connections to the symbols: from generations sharing their first Quick Silver Mint piece to couples celebrating 25 years with a gold upgrade or families finding comfort in a reproduced beloved necklace that carries on a father’s legacy. This company has been around for over 40 years, and hearing these multi-generational tales truly highlights our purpose.
Our mission extends far beyond selling jewelry; it’s about forming genuine bonds, celebrating beauty, and creating connections in a fragmented world. We are that connection. Beyond expanding our reach through recent collaborations—an effort primarily designed to support our incredible team and sustain our community—I’ve also found immense joy in working at local charity events and art shows, further extending our meaning. My father, with his four new inventions brewing, is still passionately creating, and I am incredibly fortunate to share this time with him, helping bring his visionary ideas to life.
We invite you to explore our collection and discover the profound stories behind each piece – a celebration of art, history, universal truths, and the enduring human spirit that connects us all.