Memento Mori Skull

In the 16th and 17th centuries Memento Mori Jewelry served as a general reminder of mortality. In Latin, memento mori means “remember you must die” or “be mindful of death”. This was to encourage virtuous living and making the most of one’s fleeting life. Wedding rings often had memento mori inscriptions during this period and pieces were often handed out to mourners at funerals.

Memento mori jewelry motifs depict skulls, skeletons, worms, coffins and other symbols of death. While it seems macabre, this type of adornment was very popular at the time.

The hearts are cut from copper and have numerous layers of enamel glass that is kiln fired at 800 degrees celsius. The skull is hand painted and fired several times to give a glossy finish. The setting is made from sterling silver and comes with a 45cm /18″ sterling chain.

The pendant measures approx 55mm (2 1/4″) high from the top of the hand to the bottom of the gemstone x 28mm (1″) wide. The gemstone is a crystal quartz.