Memento Mori symbolism – how gemstones and symbols make your jewellery more meaningful
Jewellery is more special when there’s meaning behind it. I don't know about you, but some of my favourite pieces were gifted by a loved one or represent a special time in my life. That’s one of the reasons I love Memento Mori jewellery — it’s steeped in ancient symbolism. Each recurring image has been chosen to represent an aspect of life, death, or remembrance.
I’ve pulled together this guide so you can choose a truly meaningful piece of Memento Mori jewellery from my collections. You can also use it to commission a bespoke piece to honour a loved one who's passed beyond the veil or to give a gift full of meaning.
Memento Mori Symbolism at SLAB Jewellery
A quick word of warning before you delve in! Although my jewellery is inspired by historic Memento Mori symbols, I design each piece according to my personal interpretation of those themes. My designs are also heavily influenced by traditional tattoo art — a style which is deeply entwined with Memento Mori symbolism. This is history with a modern, gothic twist!
Skulls
Skulls are the OG symbol of death in Memento Mori art. They’re a classic representation of mortality and can be seen throughout history across dozens of different cultures and art forms. One of the most notable is traditional tattoo art, which uses the skull alongside other Memento Mori symbols like daggers, snakes, and roses. I craft each Memento Mori skull to match the traditional 16th Century style, with a dash of tattoo aesthetic thrown in.
Roses
In Memento Mori jewellery designs, the rose symbolises new life. When paired with skulls, they represent the eternal cycle of life and death. This is why roses and skulls are often seen together in Memento Mori jewellery and tattoo designs. Roses are the most inked flower in tattoo history, making them a must for my own jewellery designs.
Snakes
The most common snake jewellery meaning is death, as snakes are often poisonous. Serpents have also been used throughout history and in religious iconography as representations of villainy.
Snake jewellery is associated with rebirth, especially when it appears in the form of the Ouroboros. They also symbolise knowledge and cunning, making them a popular tattoo choice. Snakes bring a sense of movement to traditional tattoo art — something I find super inspirational in my own jewellery. You’ll find snakes curled around earring hoops, entwined with daggers, and coiled within charms.
Fun fact: I recently got a sneaky little snake tattoo on the back of my neck at the Bristol Tattoo Convention!
Spikes
I use spikes as a modern gothic alternative to halo rays, similar to the ones you’d see in Southern European Catholic iconography. Here at SLAB jewellery, spikes are a symbol of light and goodness. Aside from the super deep meaning, spikes are just plain badass. They give the wearer instant edge, especially when it comes to rings. Flaunt a fistful of spikes, and no one will mess with you!
Bones
Much like skulls, bones are a common Memento Mori symbol for death. The bones in my jewellery are inspired by ossuaries in ancient churches. They’re excellent symbols to use in jewellery because they’re elegant, understated, and delightfully morbid.
Daggers
Daggers are another symbol of death, although slightly less common than skulls. You’ve probably seen tattoos of sacred hearts, skulls, or roses pierced by daggers. It’s iconic, and that’s why you’ll find the same images immortalised in silver and gold here at SLAB.
Daggers are wonderful jewellery design elements because of their long, elegant shape and sharp lines. For some pieces, I've combined them with gemstones and other Memento Mori symbols, like skulls and snakes, for extra interest and edge.
Wings
Wings symbolise freedom and life. When I’m designing Memento Mori jewellery, I like to use them to signify angel wings in death. Some of my wing designs are made for stacking and pairing with other pieces, so you can create layered meanings with a mix of different symbols. Jewellery featuring wings and feathers make great gifts for the air signs in your life — Libras, Geminis, and Aquarians.
Hearts
Hearts are a symbol of life. When paired with a dagger, you’ve got the complete life and death cycle. Hearts are also a symbol of eternal love, even through the anguish of death — my latest heart carving has the inscription “The end of life, but not of love”.
‘In Memoriam’ inscriptions
Inscriptions are just as integral to Memento Mori jewellery as the symbols are. My inscriptions are inspired by ancient tombstones, and I like using them to add meaningful text to my pieces. My bespoke clients request inscriptions in memory of a loved one or to mark a special occasion.
Gemstone meanings in my jewellery
Just like Memento Mori symbolism, I choose gemstones using a blend of historical tradition and personal design preference. Each stone should complement the overall piece while making it super meaningful to the wearer.
Black Spinel
Black spinels are associated with grounding, protection, hope, and inspiration. They're dramatic, pure black stones, accented by a sparkling faceted cut. Black spinel is an alternative birthstone for people born in August — a cool gothic swap for the traditional vibrant peridot.
Iolite
Iolite is a truly captivating stone, marked by its gloriously translucent violet colour. Vikings once used it as a polarising filter so they could safely use the sun for wayfinding. Iolite is traditionally thought to give its wearer inspiration and self-assurance and aids in stirring inner visions. Iolite can bring positive change, especially to Libras, Sagittarius, and Tauruses.
Garnet
Garnets are one of my all-time favourite stones for Memento Mori jewellery design. Garnets are named after the pomegranate seeds given to Persephone as a token of safety on her journey from the underworld. As such, they represent safe travels and passion. Garnets are the birthstone for people born in January.
Sunstone
The energy and vibrancy of the sun, captured in a single glimmering stone. Sunstone is like a party you can hold in the palm of your hand. The sparkles are made by delicate splinters of copper held within the gem’s depths. Sunstone is thought to stimulate growth, generosity, and confidence.
Peridot
Peridot has a bright pear green hue that marks it as distinctive and eye-catching. It’s an ancient mineral and has even been found on meteorites that have fallen to earth. Peridot is thought to be a positive energy stone and can represent springtime. These stones are brilliantly sparkly and have even been called “evening emeralds”. Peridot is the traditional birthstone for people born in August.
Labradorite
Labradorite is like a lightning storm through cloudy skies. When the light strikes its swirled grey surface, it flashes peacock blue and emerald green. Labradorite has been called a powerful protector and is said to bring serendipity and awakening to those who wear it.
Do you have a question about the gemstones and symbols in my jewellery? Get in touch and ask away! If you’d like to commission your very own bespoke piece of jewellery using the symbols and gems mentioned here, please drop me a message — I’d love to help!