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Vegvísir symbol pendant handcrafted by Tom McDanielson of The Middle Green

Why I Keep Making Vegvísir Jewellery

Written by Tom McDanielson on . Posted in General, Guides.

People often ask why I use the Vegvísir symbol so frequently in my work.

Partly because I like the design.

But mostly because I think it captures something recognisably human.

As a jeweller, I’ve realised that people rarely buy jewellery simply because it looks nice.

The pieces that stay with people tend to represent something.

A relationship.

A memory.

A period of life.

A decision.

A reminder.

The Vegvísir seems to fit naturally into that.

It’s Not Quite The Viking Symbol Most People Think It Is

The Vegvísir is often described as a Viking compass.

The reality is slightly more complicated.

The symbol appears in Icelandic manuscripts from the nineteenth century, most famously the Huld Manuscript from 1860, rather than surviving Viking Age sources.

For some people that diminishes the symbol.

For me, it doesn’t really change anything.

Because what interests me isn’t whether Vikings wore it.

What interests me is why people still do.

The Part That Matters To Me

I’ve spent years making jewellery for people marking important moments in their lives.

Engagements.

Marriages.

Anniversaries.

Losses.

Fresh starts.

Inherited jewellery carrying family stories.

One thing I’ve noticed is that people often choose symbols when they’re standing at some kind of crossroads.

Not because they believe a symbol will change the outcome.

Because it helps them remember who they want to be while they’re moving through it.

That’s what I think the Vegvísir represents.

Not certainty.

Direction.

Why It Belongs At The Middle Green

The Middle Green has never really been about recreating history.

I’m not interested in making museum replicas.

What interests me is creating modern talismans.

Pieces that feel personal.

Pieces that feel carried rather than displayed.

The Vegvísir fits naturally within that idea.

Not because it’s ancient.

Not because it’s Viking.

But because people still connect with what it represents.

Guidance.

Direction.

Finding your way when the route ahead isn’t entirely clear.

That’s something people needed in 1860.

It’s something people need now.

And it’s probably something we’ll always need.

Every Vegvísir piece is designed and handmade by Tom McDanielson in my Wiltshire workshop.

Sterling silver Seidr pendant with rune stamp on bench during stamping process

Why I Stamp Runes by Hand (and Don’t Chase Perfection)

Written by Tom McDanielson on . Posted in Runes, General, Guides.

Most of the runes I stamp don’t land exactly the same way twice

Some sit slightly deeper
Some spread a touch wider in the silver
Occasionally one edge is sharper than the rest

That isn’t something I correct every time

The reality of stamping

Each rune is struck by hand into solid metal
There’s no jig holding it in place
No machine applying consistent pressure

It’s just the stamp, a hammer, and judgement in the moment

Silver moves more than people expect
Even a small difference in force changes how the mark sits

You learn to read it as you go
Rather than forcing it into something uniform

This is the exact pendant this came from

Why I leave variation in

There’s a point where correcting something removes what made it good in the first place

If a rune lands slightly deeper but feels right
I’ll leave it

If the edges soften into the surface
I’ll leave that too

If you’re thinking about something more personal, details on bespoke work are here

Trying to make every piece identical usually leads to something flatter
Less considered
More like production than making

That’s not what these are meant to be

What this means for the piece you wear

No two marks are exactly the same

Even when the symbol is identical
The way it sits in the metal will differ slightly

Over time, that mark wears with you
Edges soften further
High points pick up light differently

It becomes less about how it looked on the bench
And more about how it settles into your day to day

If you’re unsure which rune to go with, I’ve written a simple guide here

Why that matters

A lot of jewellery is designed to stay unchanged

Perfect surface
Perfect symmetry
Perfect repeatability

That has its place

But for something worn daily
Handled
Carried

A bit of variation tends to hold up better

It gives the piece somewhere to go over time

Rather than trying to keep it exactly as it started

Where this fits

This is how all Seidr pieces are made
Each rune stamped individually into recycled silver, then finished by hand

You can see the current pieces here

Handmade sterling silver Seidr Inguz rune necklace and matching ring shown together in a hand

Why We Make Symbolic Jewellery: The Meaning Behind Talismans and Runes

Written by Tom McDanielson on . Posted in Runes, General.

Jewellery has always carried meaning. Long before it became purely decorative, people wore small objects as reminders of belief, protection or identity.

At The Middle Green, each piece is designed and handcrafted in a small workshop in Wiltshire, just outside Swindon. The work focuses on symbolic forms, natural textures and jewellery intended to be worn for many years.

Many of the collections draw on runes, talismans and traditional symbols that have been worn across cultures for centuries.

Why Jewellery Has Always Carried Meaning

Jewellery has rarely been only decorative. Across different cultures and time periods, small objects worn on the body have often carried symbolic value. Rings have marked commitment, pendants have represented belief or protection, and simple pieces of metal have been used to signify belonging.

Part of the power of jewellery comes from its permanence. Precious metals endure. They are shaped slowly, worn daily, and often kept for many years. Because of that durability, jewellery becomes a natural place for meaning to live.

A piece might mark a moment in life, represent a personal value, or simply remind someone of something important. Over time it stops being just an object and becomes part of someone’s story.

Symbols in Jewellery

Symbols have long appeared in jewellery because they allow meaning to be expressed quietly. A single mark or shape can hold layers of interpretation while remaining visually simple.

Many cultures developed symbolic forms that appeared repeatedly on tools, jewellery, and everyday objects. These shapes were not always intended as decoration. Often they represented ideas such as protection, direction, growth, or connection to the natural world.

Today the same idea still resonates. People are often drawn to jewellery that carries a subtle sense of significance. Rather than choosing a piece purely for appearance, they choose something that feels aligned with their own story or beliefs.

Why I Work With Runes and Talismans

Symbols appear frequently in my work because they bring intention into the design. Instead of focusing purely on ornamentation, the piece begins with an idea. This approach sits at the centre of the Seidr collection, where each piece carries a single rune chosen for its meaning rather than decoration.

Runes in particular have always interested me. Their shapes are simple and direct, yet each one carries a meaning connected to nature, change, protection or movement. When used in jewellery, the rune becomes a quiet mark rather than a loud motif.

Talismans follow a similar logic. A claw protecting a stone, a compass symbol suggesting direction, or a form inspired by natural structures. These pieces are designed to feel personal rather than decorative.

The aim is not to create jewellery that demands attention, but jewellery that feels meaningful to the person wearing it.

Choosing Jewellery With Meaning

There is no single rule for choosing symbolic jewellery. Some people spend time researching the meaning behind symbols or stones, while others simply feel drawn to a particular form.

Both approaches are valid. Symbols have always been interpreted differently by different people.

The important thing is that the piece resonates with the wearer. Jewellery that carries meaning tends to be worn more often and kept for longer. Over time it gathers small marks, memories and associations.

In that sense the symbolism does not end with the design. It continues through the life of the person wearing it.

Written by Tom McDanielson, goldsmith and founder of The Middle Green, a handcrafted jewellery studio based in Wiltshire near Swindon.

Why choose to work with a local jeweller versus a high street chain?

Why Choose a Local Jewellery Designer Instead of a High Street Shop?

Written by Tom McDanielson on . Posted in General. No Comments on Why Choose a Local Jewellery Designer Instead of a High Street Shop?

When it comes to buying jewellery, the choice often comes down to convenience vs connection. High street jewellery shops offer familiarity and scale, but increasingly, people are choosing to work with local jewellery designers for something far more meaningful.

So why choose a local jewellery designer instead of a chain shop? From personalised service and ethical sourcing to craftsmanship, aftercare, and truly one-of-a-kind designs, here’s why working with an independent jeweller like The Middle Green makes all the difference.

Personalised Service & Working with You

One of the biggest advantages of choosing a local jewellery designer is the personal experience. At The Middle Green, jewellery isn’t sold off a production line, it’s created through collaboration with you.

For bespoke pieces, we work closely with you from start to finish. Whether you have a clear vision or just a rough idea, we take the time to understand your story, your style, and what the piece means to you.

This isn’t about pushing a sale; it’s about discovering your preferences and helping you create or select a piece that feels completely right.

Unlike high street shops, where staff are often trained to sell as efficiently as possible, we focus on quality over quantity. Everything available in our shop is handcrafted in small batches, ensuring attention to detail and individuality in every piece.

There’s no pressure and no sales pitch, just honest, knowledgeable guidance and a genuine desire to help you find jewellery you’ll treasure for years to come.

Guaranteed Quality You Can Trust

When you invest in jewellery, quality matters, not just how it looks on day one, but how it wears over time.

At The Middle Green, all our necklaces, earrings, rings, and wristwear are made using high-quality metals and carefully selected gemstones.

Because our jewellery is handcrafted in small batches, every piece receives individual attention during the making process.

Many high street jewellers do offer quality pieces, but mass production can sometimes mean compromises. To meet price points and scale production, high street shops may rely on lower grade alloys, thinner settings, or manufacturing methods designed for speed rather than longevity.

By working with a local jewellery designer, you’re choosing craftsmanship, durability, and high quality materials.

Ethical and Sustainable Jewellery Choices

At The Middle Green, we use ethically sourced stones and are committed to sustainable jewellery practices wherever possible. We believe jewellery should feel good to wear in every sense, including how it’s sourced and made.

In mass produced jewellery, ethical considerations can sometimes be deprioritised in favour of lowering production costs and increasing output.

Choosing a local jewellery designer allows you to support a business that values responsibility, transparency, and sustainability, ensuring your jewellery aligns with your values as well as your style.

Truly One-of-a-kind Pieces

If you’ve ever spotted the same necklace or ring on multiple people, you’ll understand the appeal of unique jewellery.

All our jewellery at The Middle Green is handcrafted, these are designs you won’t find replicated in every jewellery shop on the high street.

We also specialise in bespoke jewellery, including bespoke engagement rings and wedding rings something many larger jewellers don’t offer because it doesn’t fit their bulk selling model.

Our designs often feature distinctive elements such as runes, adding layers of symbolism and meaning. If you’re curious about rune jewellery and what different symbols represent, read our detailed rune guide.

Every bespoke piece can also be created using the gemstones and metals of your choice, allowing you to tailor the jewellery completely to your taste, budget, and intentions. Explore gemstone meanings and options in our gemstone guide.

Your Satisfaction Truly Matters

For independent jewellers, reputation is everything. We don’t rely on footfall from dozens of locations; we rely on happy customers who love their jewellery.

Your satisfaction is at the heart of everything we do, which is reflected in our many 5-star reviews.

When commissioning a bespoke piece, you’re guided through the entire journey. From the initial consultation to design discussions, sketches, refinements, and final creation, you’re involved every step of the way.

Aftercare You Won’t Get On the High Stree

Our relationship with our customers doesn’t end at the checkout.

Every piece purchased from The Middle Green comes with a 1-year warranty, offering peace of mind and reassurance in the quality of our craftsmanship.

We also invite you to bring back any item made by The Middle Green once a year for a complimentary clean and polish, along with a general check for wear and tear.

For more information on caring for your jewellery, tale a look at our jewellery care guide.

Supporting Local Means Supporting Craftsmanship

When choosing a local jewellery, you receive personalised service, ethically made pieces, superior craftsmanship, and aftercare that goes far beyond the sale.

In a world of mass production, choosing local means choosing something personal, intentional, and truly special.

If you’re looking for jewellery that tells your story, not everyone else’s, a local jewellery designer is always worth the choice.

Need Help Finding Your Perfect Piece?

Explore our full range of handcrafted jewellery, commission a bespoke piece designed just for you, or simply get in touch for a friendly chat.

Whether you know exactly what you’re looking for or need a little guidance, we’re always happy to help you find or create something truly special.