​A beautiful coin from Belarus

I started the journey into coin jewelry by first discovering the fun of collecting coins from around the world. Often I would find something special, it was a fun treasure hunt.

This coin from Belarus celebrates a tradition of Europe, Candlemas. Some celebrate with a festival of lights (candles) 
It is celebrated on February 2nd, at the darkest time of winter. 
For others it is either a Christian or Jewish tradition. 

Regardless, this coin is a beautiful design and rather rare. Belarus only issued 3,000 of these coins in total, and I have made 3 of them into coin Jewelry. 

7 Interesting Facts about the Hawksbill Sea Turtle:

• Considered most beautiful turtle by many. Color of shell ranges from amber, orange, red, yellow, black and brown. Colors are darker in cooler water.
• They can hold their breath up to 3 hours.  They usually come up every 15-30 minutes, but can go longer if needed in rough seas.
• Existed for over 100 million years, with little change
• They help keep ocean reefs healthy by feeding primarily on sponges.
• They are one of the smaller sea turtles, only 24 to 45 inches long and weighing 100-150 pounds. Live 90 to 100 years.
• They are named after their pointed beak that looks similar to a bird of prey.
• They live in the coastal waters of more than 108 countries, but are critically endangered worldwide.

If you were wondering where the Cook Islands are, it is in the South Pacific, half way between Hawaii and New Zealand.