The Meaning Behind the Metal the magic of the connection to a design.

Sometimes, images seem to choose their person magically. What I love most about working at Quicksilver Mint is the interaction—not just with people but with the symbols they choose. Each design carries its meaning, and it's fascinating to see how individuals connect with them uniquely.

Recently, while preparing a box to display in a store, I found myself lost in thought as I arranged the various designs. As I looked at all the possible combinations, I started thinking about the people who would wear them. Who would feel drawn to this piece? What kind of person would resonate with that symbol? Each piece tells its own story, and part of the magic of what we do is allowing people the choice to pair two images together, creating something uniquely personal to them.

Our founder, Michael, has an art background, but his passion lies in theology and ancient cultures. His home is filled with books on history, mythology, and symbolism. Each design we create isn't just a piece of metal; a connection to purpose inspires it. His designs encourage a soul connection, inspiring people to find deeper meaning in the symbols they wear.

Over the years, I've had countless conversations with customers about their choices. It's always a joy to hear why someone selects a particular combination. Two people might choose a "winged dragon" for one side of their coin, but the reasons behind their choices can be completely different. I once spoke with an Aries who paired a dragon with their sign to symbolize strength and fire, while another person combined it with a tiger to express balance.

Growing up, my father taught me about these symbols. Working at Renaissance fairs, I would meet people, ask questions, and listen to their stories. I learned not only about the symbols themselves but also about the people. Frequently, discussing a coin would uncover a more profound truth. I would know the true nature of the individual before me.

My dad built this business as an artist and a craftsman who valued collaboration. He worked alongside other small family businesses across the United States, reinforcing the importance of skill and tradition. His work illustrated that a woman isn't bound to a traditional path; she can learn to manage a business, make choices, and infuse her work with compassion. I take pride in carrying on that tradition. My dad's core values and commitment to supporting local businesses and artists are essential to me. I've been working hard to maintain long-standing relationships. I'm also teaming up with the daughters of other shop owners to grow our community, all while sharing the same foundational values as we look to the future. This month, we added an OSU female business major as an intern to our team, an exciting step toward fostering new talent and perspectives in our business.

Though I'm not at fairs as much, I remain dedicated to sharing knowledge and fostering connections, especially in my work with the intern and the company. Inspired by my dad's research, I aim to build a community around symbols that resonate with us. I'm excited to feature symbols from our collections: Native American motifs, Celtic designs, and animal totems. Each is rich in history and represents values like strength, wisdom, protection, and transformation. Together, I hope to celebrate these symbols.

On a lighter note, my son suggested that I acknowledge the simple reason people buy things: "because they are pretty." Admittedly, I have coins in my collection that mark significant moments in my life, but there are also ones I chose simply because I loved them. At ten, I begged my dad for a unicorn. Maybe he understood its deeper meaning then, but all I knew was that I wanted a unicorn. For the record, everyone deserves a unicorn.