The Thirteen Best Skull Jewels

October 31, 2013 Cheryl Kremkow Jewelry Trends Tags: , , , , , , , , , , 8 Comments
Bejewelled skeleton from the Catacombs of Rome
Bejeweled skeleton unearthed from the catacombs of Rome

Long before bikers and rockers, skull jewelry was once a daily reminder of the fleeting nature of life. Skeletons in the catacombs of Rome were decorated with elaborate jewelry. Sixteenth century carved quartz skulls grin with jeweled skulls in necklaces and rings that are startlingly modern.

Today skulls continue to inspire jewelry design. I could fill an entire post with fabulous jewelry by Victoire de Castallane for Dior, each one more elaborate than the last. Lydia Courteille has many many skulls and skeletons to covet.  So don’t stop here: there are more discoveries to be made on Pinterest, including my Skull Jewelry board. Let me know what I’ve missed in the comments!

Diamond skeleton and opal brooch by Lydia Courteille
Diamond skeleton and opal brooch by Lydia Courteille
Lydia Courteille Garden of Xochimilco
Lydia Courteille, Garden of Xochimilco Collection
Lydia Courteille Ring
Lydia Courteille ceramic, green garnet, diamond and coral skull ring in 18K gold.
Diamond skeleton bracelet by Lydia Courteille
Diamond skeleton bracelet by Lydia Courteille
Roi D'Opalle collection 2009. Victoire de Castellane for Dior Haute Joaillerie.
Roi D’Opalle collection 2009. Victoire de Castellane for Dior Haute Joaillerie.
Turquoise and ruby skull ring by Wendy Brandes
Turquoise and ruby skull ring by Wendy Brandes
Elizabeth I brooch by Theo Fennell
Elizabeth I brooch by Theo Fennell
Gold and Diamond Skull Ring by Delfina Delettrez
Gold and Diamond Skull Ring by Delfina Delettrez
Deakin & Francis Diamond, Ruby, and Sapphire Skull Ring
Deakin & Francis Diamond, Ruby, and Sapphire Skull Ring
Memento Mori ring by Holly Dyment
Memento Mori ring by Holly Dyment
Skull cameo ring by Amadeo
Skull cameo ring by Amadeo
Steampunk Ring by T.S. Wittelsbach for Ink Metal
Steampunk Ring by T.S. Wittelsbach for Ink Metal
Detail of a German rosary, circa 1500-1525, from the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art
Detail of a German rosary, circa 1500-1525, from the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art

 

No post on skull jewels would be complete without mentioning the ultimate jeweled skull. The artwork “For the Love of God” by Damien Hirst is a platinum cast of a human skull covered in 8,601 diamonds. The teeth are original to the skull.  The work sold for $100 million.

For the Love of God by Damien Hirst is a cast of a human skull set with 8,601 diamonds
For the Love of God by Damien Hirst

 

For the Love of God by Damien Hirst
For the Love of God by Damien Hirst

 

8 Comments

  1. Carol Decelles 3 years Reply

    Inspirational

  2. Robyn 9 years Reply

    love all of them – I was just introduced to a new one you might like – Shingi Nakaba – he carves pearls into skulls!

    http://work.s-nakaba.com/

  3. bella 10 years Reply

    Cheryl, Deakin & Francis Diamond, Ruby, and Sapphire Skull Ring is fantastic! I thing it will give a killer style look. I love this unique concept of including skull design in ornaments. I also like Diamond skeleton bracelet and Lydia Courteille. I thing all are amazing, basically I prefer simulated diamond rings one can have a look over man made diamond rings.
    Cheryl I visited HollyDyment.com and I want to let you know that I just love and get crazy on all trinket!

  4. Robyn Hawk 10 years Reply

    FAB Collection Cheryl…
    that last one is amazing!!!

  5. WendyB 10 years Reply

    Thank you for including me among so many amazing designs!

    • Cheryl 10 years Reply

      Wendy, I’m honored to show that fab new turquoise and ruby skull ring! The color combo is amazing.

  6. Cheryl Kremkow 10 years Reply

    My pleasure! It was hard to choose which one: you have so many cool skull designs. I hope people go see them all at HollyDyment.com…

  7. Holly Dyment 10 years Reply

    Thank you Cheryl for including my Memento Mori skull ring.
    I love reading your blog!
    Holly

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