Memento mori is a latin phrase meaning "remember you must die". Memento mori pieces were extremely popular starting in the 16th century. Popular motifs, such as skulls, skeletons and coffins were used to express the theme of mortality. The reminder of inevitable death was also used by the church to remind people that with death comes judgement day, encouraging people to live virtuously. The theme of memento mori can also be observed in vanitas paintings from the era, featuring objects that represent death and decay. 17th and 18th century memento mori pieces paved the way for mourning jewelry, which peaked during the Victorian Era after Queen Victoria's beloved husband, Prince Albert, died in 1861. For the next four decades, Queen Victoria continued to mourn her loss, wearing black dresses and mourning jewelry. Fashion followed her lead, with the wealthy commissioning mourning pieces and memorial jewelry to honor their loved ones. This era of mourning jewelry was softer and more sentimental than the original memento mori pieces from the Middle Ages. Our Memento Amori collection is a play on words meaning, "remember love". Our handmade pieces are meant to remind the wearer that, although death is inevitable, love is eternal.
