Mourning Jewellery

Part V - Mourning Motifs in Jewellery

Our fifth season of Gem Pursuit feat. Matthew Weldon & Alyce Ketcher is called 'Treasured Tokens: the Secret Language of Jewellery'

Long before the modern phrase 'YOLO' (you only live once) entered common parlance, a similar sentiment has been expressed since ancient times through the latin expression 'Memento Mori' which literally translates as 'remember that you (must) die'.

This episode will focus on how this expression, which has its roots in classical philosophy, had a major influence on art, architecture and of course jewellery through the centuries, culminating in a huge wave of popularity during the mourning period of the Victorian Era.

View our collection of mourning jewellery.

Producer: Ross Hannon

Additional Research: Giulia Grasseschi

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