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Nouveau taxidermy-jewelry

The items on this page were created in the tradition of mourning jewelry and memorial art – artifacts of antiquity that were created with the hair, teeth and bones of a deceased loved one. The purpose of creating such objects was to commemorate the dead and to give those in mourning a physical piece of their loved one that they could keep close to them. (cont. below)

Items on this page are made to order per customer request. Click logo below to view in-stock items available for immediate sale through Etsy

Keeping and venerating remains of the dead has been going on for millennia around the world but the practice of creating mourning jewelry in western culture began around the 17th century. It continued in various forms throughout Europe, peaking in popularity during the Georgian and Victorian era but sadly vanishing soon thereafter. Thankfully the philosophy behind the wearing of such mementos has enjoyed a resurgence in recent years and has once again found a place in our collective spirituality. The jewelry on this page is an extension of that philosophy and a parallel means of expression – we keep those we cherish close to us.