Mid-Victorian Memento Mori Coral Skull Pendant

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Mid-Victorian Memento Mori Coral Skull Pendant

$2,000.00

Description

DATE: Victorian, c.1860

A cool antique Memento Mori pendant. The skull is hand-carved from natural orange coral with white paste gemstones set in the eye sockets and a period diamond-set bail. It was made in the mid-Victorian era, circa 1860, with gold fittings for wear as a pendant or charm.

The concept of Memento Mori, remember that you will die, has been around since ancient times; indeed, probably for as long as humans have existed. Throughout history, philosophers, kings, and common folk alike have reflected on the brevity of life: Greek stoic Epictetus told his students that when kissing their child, brother, or friend, they should remind themselves that they are mortal as do "those who stand behind men in their triumphs and remind them that they are mortal". To us, wearing jewellery that constantly reminds you (and those around you) that someday you will die might seem somewhat... jarring... but societies and cultures in the past, especially the 16th through 19th centuries, had a much more open relationship with death and mortality.

STONES

Orange Coral, Diamond & Paste Gemstones

MEASUREMENTS

Total length: 2.4cm

Skull: 12.6 x 8.9 x 12.6mm (height by width by depth)

WEIGHT

1.8g

MARKS

No marks present, tests as 9k gold and silver

CONDITION

Very good