The Curios Collection explores themes of memory, nature and mortality through handcrafted sterling silver jewellery inspired by ethically sourced bones and natural curiosities.
Drawing influence from Victorian Memento Mori traditions, these pieces reflect a long history of creating objects that honour remembrance and celebrate the fleeting nature of life. The phrase "Memento Mori" translates to "remember that you must die" and serves as a reminder to live fully and appreciate the present.
My fascination with natural history, taxidermy and curiosity collecting has heavily influenced this collection. Using specimens from animals that have passed from unpreventable causes, I carefully preserve the intricate structures of skulls, vertebrae and bones through the casting process.
Each piece is created with respect for the original specimen and aims to highlight the beauty found within nature's smallest details.
The collection includes skull jewellery, bone jewellery, memorial-inspired designs and alternative jewellery for collectors seeking pieces with meaning, symbolism and individuality.
Handcrafted in Adelaide, every design reflects my background as a contemporary jewellery artist and my ongoing interest in the relationship between art, nature and remembrance.
Memento Mori Jewellery Australia
The Finch Skull & Pearl Necklace is handmade in Adelaide, South Australia.
The original Finch Skull was moulded to preserve all the fine details of the skull. The Finch skull hangs from a sterling silver chain.
Dimensions: Necklace length 45cm length (Finch skull 3cm x 1.5cm)
Each Jewellery piece comes packaged in an Olivia Dryden branded jewellery box or velvet bag.
*All animals used in my work have passed from unpreventable deaths.
The Small Rat Spine Hoop Earrings are made in handmade in Adelaide, South Australia. The original rat spinal cord was moulded to preserve all the fine details of the bones. Once cast into Sterling silver the spinal cord is curved into the hoop shape.
Dimensions: 1.5cm hoop, spinal cord 3mm width
*All animals used in my work have passed from unpreventable deaths.
Each Jewellery piece comes packaged in an Olivia Dryden branded jewellery box or velvet bag.
The Mini Cross Bone & Drop Stud Earrings are handmade in Adelaide, South Australia. The original fox tail was moulded and cast into sterling silver to preserve all the fine details of the bones. The original earrings have small white freshwater pearls hang from the cross bones. You can now choose from a variety of gemstone drops!
Due to the nature of freshwater pearls and gemstones each one varies slightly. Picture is an example only.
Dimensions: 1.5cm length (Bone .8cm pearls/gemstones approx. 0.6cm)
Each Jewellery piece comes packaged in an Olivia Dryden branded jewellery box or velvet bag.
*All animals used in my work have passed from unpreventable deaths.
The bird claws clutching pearls stud earrings are handmade in Adelaide, South Australia. The original bird claw was moulded and cast into sterling silver to preserve all the fine details of the claw. The claw is clutching a round white freshwater pearl.
Due to the nature of freshwater pearls each one varies slightly. Picture is an example only.
Dimensions: 1.5cm x 1cm, Pearl about 1cm
Each Jewellery piece comes packaged in a Olivia Dryden branded jewellery box or velvet bag.
*All animals used in my work have passed from unpreventable deaths.
The Spider Pendant is expertly handcrafted in Adelaide, South Australia. The original spider design is moulded and cast in sterling silver to capture every intricate detail. This pendant is suspended from a 45cm sterling silver chain.
Pendant dimensions: 3cm x 2.5cm
Each piece of jewellery is thoughtfully presented in an Olivia Dryden branded jewellery box or velvet pouch, ensuring a beautiful unboxing experience.
The Large Rat Spine Hoop Earrings are made in handmade in Adelaide. The original rat spinal cord was moulded to preserve all the fine details of the bones. Once cast into Sterling silver the spinal cord is curved into the hoop shape.
Dimensions: 2.5cm hoop, spinal cord 3mm width to 1cm at widest. point
*All animals used in my work have passed from unpreventable deaths.
The Bone & Chain Necklace is handmade in Adelaide, South Australia.
The original bird femur bone was moulded and cast into sterling silver to preserve all the fine details of the bones. The bone is hanging off a sterling silver chain.
Dimensions: Necklace length 45cm length (Bone 4cm)
Each Jewellery piece comes packaged in an Olivia Dryden branded jewellery box or velvet bag.
*All animals used in my work have passed from unpreventable deaths.
Momento Mori Cross pendant made from moulded bird bones cast into sterling silver with a sash wrapped around hanging off a sterling silver chain.
Dimensions: Chain length 45cm, cross pendant 4cm
*All animals used in my work have passed from unpreventable deaths.
All specimens used in my work come from animals that have passed from unpreventable causes. Through casting and preservation, these natural forms are transformed into sterling silver jewellery that honours both the original specimen and the stories they carry.
Olivia Dryden is an Adelaide jewellery artist with a Bachelor of Visual Arts & Design and recipient of a Helpmann Academy Fellowship.