The History of Memento Mori Jewellery: Why We Have Worn Symbols of Mortality for Centuries
For many people, skulls, bones, and symbols of mortality can seem unusual subjects for jewellery. Yet throughout history, people have worn these motifs not to celebrate death, but to celebrate life.
The tradition of Memento Mori jewellery dates back centuries and remains one of the most fascinating forms of wearable art. Today, contemporary makers continue this tradition, creating meaningful pieces that encourage reflection, remembrance, and appreciation of life's fleeting beauty.
What Does Memento Mori Mean?
The phrase Memento Mori is Latin for "Remember you must die."
While this may sound dark at first, the message behind it is surprisingly uplifting. Rather than focusing on death itself, Memento Mori serves as a reminder to live fully, cherish relationships, pursue passions, and appreciate the limited time we all have.
Throughout history, artists, philosophers, and jewellers have used symbols such as skulls, skeletons, bones, hourglasses, and crosses to communicate this idea.
The Origins of Memento Mori Jewellery
Memento Mori jewellery became particularly popular during the 16th and 17th centuries. Wealthy Europeans often wore rings, lockets, and pendants featuring skulls or engraved reminders of mortality.
These pieces were not considered morbid. Instead, they were worn as personal reminders to live a meaningful life and focus on what truly matters.
Many designs incorporated:
Skulls
Skeletons
Coffins
Hourglasses
Crosses
Religious symbolism
Each element carried a message about the temporary nature of life and the importance of making the most of every moment.
Victorian Mourning Jewellery
The popularity of mortality-inspired jewellery continued into the Victorian era.
Following the death of Queen Victoria's husband, Prince Albert, mourning jewellery became widely worn throughout Victorian society.
Victorian mourning jewellery often contained:
Locks of hair
Black enamel
Jet gemstones
Memorial inscriptions
Symbolic motifs such as crosses and flowers
These pieces were deeply personal keepsakes, designed to honour loved ones and preserve memories.
Although mourning jewellery and Memento Mori jewellery are closely related, Memento Mori pieces typically focus on the universal reminder of mortality rather than commemorating a specific individual.
Why Memento Mori Jewellery Still Resonates Today
In today's fast-paced world, many people are drawn to jewellery with meaning.
Memento Mori jewellery offers an alternative to fast fashion and trend-driven accessories. It encourages reflection, storytelling, and connection to history.
For some, these pieces serve as reminders to:
Live authentically
Appreciate loved ones
Embrace life's impermanence
Find beauty in the natural cycle of life and death
Memento Mori at Olivia Dryden Jewellery
The themes of remembrance, nature, and life's fragility have long influenced my work.
My Memento Mori Collection draws inspiration from historical Memento Mori jewellery while incorporating my own contemporary style and fascination with natural forms.
Pieces within the collection include:
The Memento Mori Cross Brooch
The Skull & Cross Bone Brooch
Skull pendants
Skull earrings
Cross bone jewellery
Each design is handcrafted in sterling silver and intended not as a symbol of darkness, but as a reminder to appreciate the present moment and the people we share it with.
Following the loss of my father in 2025, these themes have become even more meaningful within my practice. Jewellery has always had the power to tell stories, preserve memories, and create connections across generations.
A Tradition That Continues
Memento Mori jewellery has endured for centuries because its message remains timeless.
Far from being a celebration of death, it is a celebration of life itself — a reminder to be present, pursue what matters, and treasure the moments we have.
Whether worn for its symbolism, its history, or simply its beauty, Memento Mori jewellery continues to connect us with one of the oldest traditions in adornment.
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.
Handcrafted in Adelaide, South Australia, the Skull & Cross Bone Pearl Drop Earrings are inspired by the symbolism of Memento Mori, reminding us of life’s precious and fleeting nature. Each earring features a hand-carved skull, moulded and cast in sterling silver. The crossbones are created from an original fox tail bone, carefully moulded and cast to preserve its natural detail. A white freshwater pearl or an Onyx drop hangs beneath, adding contrast and movement.
The skull motif, a classic element in Memento Mori jewellery, anchors this design in themes of mortality, reflection, and the beauty of impermanence.
Due to the nature of freshwater pearls/ gemstones each one varies slightly. Picture is an example only.
Dimensions: 5cm length (pearls approx. 1cm)
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.
