Antique Victorian Memento Mori Skull Locket / Poison Ring -18K Gilt Silver c1880

A rare and exceptional Victorian memento mori skull ring, crafted in 18K gilt over sterling silver, featuring an intricately detailed human skull locket that opens to reveal a hidden compartment. Often called a poison ring or mourning locket ring, pieces of this complexity were symbols of mortality, remembrance, and status during the 19th century.

This example is heavy, sculptural, and richly detailed—showing a lifelike skull with crack lines, hollowed eye sockets, and a hinged top jaw that opens smoothly. The shank is adorned with miniature skulls entwined with serpentine forms, a classic Victorian symbol of eternity and the cycle of life and death.

The underside is engraved “MEMENTO MORI”, a powerful reminder of life’s transience. On the inner plate, a cross-form symbol adds further symbolism and mystique.

• Material: 18K gold(plate) gilt over sterling silver
• Type: Skull locket / poison ring
• Style: Victorian memento mori
• Construction: Hinged skull head compartment in working condition
• Band Decoration: Miniature skulls & serpentine motifs
• Engraving: “MEMENTO MORI” & symbolic cross
• Size: 7.5
• Condition: Excellent antique condition with authentic age patina

During the Victorian era (1837–1901), mourning and remembrance jewelry became deeply woven into society’s culture due to high mortality rates and the influence of Queen Victoria’s own lifelong mourning after Prince Albert’s death.

Memento mori pieces—translated from Latin as “Remember you must die”—served both as personal talismans and reminders of spiritual reflection. Rings with hidden compartments were often used to hold locks of hair, miniature portraits, dried flowers, or symbolic tokens of lost loved ones.

This ring is an unusually dramatic example, echoing earlier European traditions of skull locket rings worn by scholars, clergy, and members of fraternal or esoteric societies as reminders of mortality and moral virtue.

The craftsmanship and iconography suggest this piece belonged to someone of high status or a symbolic order, given the use of serpents, skulls, and engraved mottoes.

Included

 Professional Appraisal Certificate – Valued at $3,800

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