The Memento Mori Cross Pendant is a handcrafted sterling silver necklace 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 pendant 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 necklace 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: Chain length: 45 cm.
Cross pendant: 4 cm.
Explore more: View the Curios Collection or browse more necklaces.
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 Pendant made from real bone?
A: The finished necklace 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 Momento Mori Cross Pendant 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 Pendant is a handcrafted sterling silver necklace 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 pendant 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 necklace 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: Chain length: 45 cm.
Cross pendant: 4 cm.
Explore more: View the Curios Collection or browse more necklaces.
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 Pendant made from real bone?
A: The finished necklace 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 Momento Mori Cross Pendant 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.
