If you need a definition or the ‘History of…’, Wikipedia will do the job. The relevance to jewellery is why I am here.
I’m guessing that most people would peg the origins of skull jewellery to rock music - with the likes of Keith Richards standardising the image.
I’ve seen relatively new jewellery labels, laying claim to being the originators of ‘skull jewellery’. It’s complete dribble.
Have certain companies positioned themselves as a go-to for skull-based designs and linked up with some of the front runners of today’s culture? Sure.
But I’m here to tell you; death was the originator of skull jewellery. The ominous collaboration of ‘death’ and ‘wearing a reminder of death’, is as old as jewellery itself.
You could be researching the concept of Memento Mori or ancient jewellery - and both of these paths will cross at some point with a nod to skull jewellery.
Every ancient society, bar none, has grappled with the idea of death and illustrated this relationship through art.
When cultures in the future are looking back on our archaic ways, they also will pick apart our representation of Memento Mori.
“What did these meatheads think about death…?” * whilst staring at Howlet’s ring.
The reality is, there has been very little philosophical movement from the dark ages until now. If anything, the needle has jerked towards greater fear and feeling of loss, when the ‘Big D’ comes knocking.
(‘D’ represents death here, you dirty dog).
However, I maintain that the stark reality of death should be used as a tailwind and not a headwind. Death being regularly acknowledged can be your Mario Cart Turbo Strip. By which I mean; the unscheduled finishline of life should act as fuel for motivation rather than a deterrent of action.
People will often speak of the reality check of losing a loved one. However, this often fades.
For us in 2023, alike with those in the middle ages - wearing a reminder is to ensure this never dissolves.
The reminder is two fold.
Firstly, the inevitability of death, charges intensity for my current operations. The looming end jolts urgency but also importance of how I get after the daily riff raff.
Secondly, it acts as the great equaliser. Regardless of how you feel you measure up to someone else, they’re going to die shitting in their pants just like you, so stop the trivial comparisons. It’s about maximising your own personal ability, because when that final waltz with death comes, all the superficial distinctions are blatantly irrelevant.
We’re equal in our march to the turf, so may as well latch onto something with a bit more lasting value…
Now, among the design specifics.
We’ve built this design out with a more traditional signet shank, which has the tucked in shoulder areas. Less obtrusive, allowing for a more comfortable daily wear.
The central coin is based on an Alexander Mair wood engraving from 1605; a six part series on Memento Mori.
Each coin is individually numbered. No two the same.
The coin bed wall has an inner bevelled angle.
The memento mori text is engraved on the inner band. To be shared with you alone, the devils in the detail.
Memento Mori II | Gold
$465.00
Edition II, of the Memento Mori Coin rings. Design Specifications Organic Memento Mori coin, based off an Alexander Mair woodcut carving, from 1605. 'Memento mori. Worn as a reminder...' Keep Reading... Each coin, individually numbered. Made from 925 Sterling Silver & 9ct… read more
Memento Mori II | Silver
$365.00
Edition II, of the Memento Mori Coin rings. Each coin, individually numbered. Design Specifications Organic Memento Mori coin, based off an Alexander Mair woodcut carving, from 1605. Memento mori. Worn as a reminder...' Keep Reading... Each coin, individually numbered. Made from 925… read more
