The Memento Mori Cross Brooch is a handcrafted sterling silver brooch made in Adelaide, South Australia by Olivia Dryden. It belongs to the Curios Collection, where natural history, memento mori symbolism and careful craftsmanship meet.
The brooch is formed from bird bone shapes arranged into a cross, creating a quiet symbol of memory, mortality and reflection. Cast in sterling silver, the bone forms become a lasting wearable object with a refined, slightly gothic presence.
Freshwater pearls add soft organic contrast to the sculptural silver form, balancing the darker symbolism of the cross with gentle lustre and natural variation.
Materials: Sterling silver
Process: Each brooch is handmade in small quantities using traditional silversmithing and casting techniques. The bird bone forms were originally moulded, then wax versions were arranged into the cross shape before being cast in sterling silver. Slight differences in texture, finish and pearl character should be expected as part of the handmade process.
Dimensions: 3.5 cm x 2.5 cm.
Explore more: View the Curios Collection or browse more brooches.
FAQ
Q1: What does memento mori mean?
A: Memento mori is a Latin phrase meaning “remember that you must die”. In jewellery, it often refers to symbolic pieces that reflect on mortality, memory and the fleeting nature of life.
Q2: Is the Memento Mori Cross Brooch made from real bone?
A: The finished brooch is made from sterling silver, not bone. The design began with real bird bones, which were carefully moulded so their delicate natural structure and surface detail could be preserved. Wax forms were then created from those moulds and arranged into the cross shape before being cast in sterling silver.
Q3: Is the Memento Mori Cross Brooch suitable as a gift?
A: Yes. Each piece is packaged in an Olivia Dryden Jewellery branded velvet pouch and is suited to collectors who appreciate handmade jewellery with story, detail and meaning.
The Memento Mori Cross Brooch is a handcrafted sterling silver brooch made in Adelaide, South Australia by Olivia Dryden. It belongs to the Curios Collection, where natural history, memento mori symbolism and careful craftsmanship meet.
The brooch is formed from bird bone shapes arranged into a cross, creating a quiet symbol of memory, mortality and reflection. Cast in sterling silver, the bone forms become a lasting wearable object with a refined, slightly gothic presence.
Freshwater pearls add soft organic contrast to the sculptural silver form, balancing the darker symbolism of the cross with gentle lustre and natural variation.
Materials: Sterling silver
Process: Each brooch is handmade in small quantities using traditional silversmithing and casting techniques. The bird bone forms were originally moulded, then wax versions were arranged into the cross shape before being cast in sterling silver. Slight differences in texture, finish and pearl character should be expected as part of the handmade process.
Dimensions: 3.5 cm x 2.5 cm.
Explore more: View the Curios Collection or browse more brooches.
FAQ
Q1: What does memento mori mean?
A: Memento mori is a Latin phrase meaning “remember that you must die”. In jewellery, it often refers to symbolic pieces that reflect on mortality, memory and the fleeting nature of life.
Q2: Is the Memento Mori Cross Brooch made from real bone?
A: The finished brooch is made from sterling silver, not bone. The design began with real bird bones, which were carefully moulded so their delicate natural structure and surface detail could be preserved. Wax forms were then created from those moulds and arranged into the cross shape before being cast in sterling silver.
Q3: Is the Memento Mori Cross Brooch suitable as a gift?
A: Yes. Each piece is packaged in an Olivia Dryden Jewellery branded velvet pouch and is suited to collectors who appreciate handmade jewellery with story, detail and meaning.
