Gold and enamelmemorial pendant with locket back. A disk form pendant centrally decorated with a circular enamelled plaque containing a blue forget-me-not flower on a black background, the outer edge of the disk decorated with a black border inset with gold gothic script, reading 'In Memory of', encircled by an ornate engraved border and bale, the reverse set with a lock of hair and pearl. Tested yellow gold, circa 1830.
Popular from the 16th to 18th century, a tradition arose whereby jewels and other trinkets were commissioned in memory of a deceased family member – these were known by the Latin phrase Memento Mori, which translates to the grim expression ‘remember that you must die’.
Gold and enamel memorial pendant with locket back, circa 1830.
Gold and enamel memorial pendant with locket back. A disk form pendant centrally decorated with a circular enamelled plaque containing a blue forget-me-not flower on a black background, the outer edge of the disk decorated with a black border inset with gold gothic script, reading 'In Memory of', encircled by an ornate engraved border and bale, the reverse set with a lock of hair and pearl. Tested yellow gold, circa 1830.
Popular from the 16th to 18th century, a tradition arose whereby jewels and other trinkets were commissioned in memory of a deceased family member – these were known by the Latin phrase Memento Mori, which translates to the grim expression ‘remember that you must die’.