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’.
