Honouring loved ones
Jewellery is not only a means of physical adornment, its significance goes far beyond that. It can represent love and devotion, be a tool for protection and healing, and a tangible anchor in difficult times. Keeping the memory of a loved one close with memorial jewellery is a long standing practice, and at Baroque we are honoured to be trusted with the important task commemorating someone special.
History of memorial jewellery
Memorial jewellery has deep historical roots, wearing jewellery in remembrance is a custom as old as humanity. The Egyptians created intricate burial items, the Romans crafted amulets in honour of the deceased, and sometimes in the medieval period, mourning rings were distributed at funerals to aid family and friends in remembrance.
The renaissance period saw the rice of ‘memento mori’ jewellery, translated from Latin as ‘remember you must die’. These items of jewellery served as a physical reminder of the inevitability of death. This may be considered morbid by today’s standards, but as society changes, so does our relationship with death and grief. Since humans first started adorning themselves, we have found great significance in symbols of commemoration through jewellery.
The more widespread interest in Memorial jewellery was fostered in England during the Victorian era, when Queen Victoria mourned her beloved Prince Albert. Materials like Jet from Whitby in Yorkshire and human hair were key features in victorian era mourning jewellery.
Modern memorial jewellery
More modern memorial jewellery designs feature engraved initials or quotes, fingerprints or impressions, and ashes. This sealed locket was made to commemorate a special pet. Ashes were encapsulated in this beautiful starburst design, with stones chosen to match his green eyes and salt and pepper grey fur.
Re-modelling Heirloom jewellery
Our bespoke re-modelling service is a great way to turn an inherited piece of jewellery into a completely new item full of love and imbued with even more sentiment. We can melt down the metal and re-form it into a new design and even some gemstones can be re-set. Contact us here to enquire about our re- modelling service.
Blue diamond memorial pendant
This was a very special tribute commission featuring a stunning blue rough diamond in a striking platinum mount.
Today, memorial jewellery is still a popular way to honour a deceased loved one. Although styles may have changed, the sentiment remains the same. All materials entrusted to us to make a new piece of jewellery are precious and we take the utmost care when working with them. Whether they take the form of the ashes of your loved one, gemstones, or gold jewellery for re-modelling, it’s important that our customers know they are in safe hands. You can read our positive reviews here to attest to this!
Love, Team Baroque
