AuctionsMar 11, 2026
‘Spectacular’ 26-Carat Diamond Going Up for Auction in London The largest white diamond to come to market in the U.K. in more than a decade, the VVS1, I-color stone is expected to top $1 million.
TrendsDec 01, 2016
Mociun is Making Mourning Jewelry for the 21st Century
The Brooklyn-based brand is creating custom jewelry to hold a loved one’s ashes, minus the macabre aesthetic of memento mori.
Mociun came up with what she calls a “Time Capsule,” a 14-karat yellow gold hollow bead, which she filled with a tiny amount of the deceased pet’s ashes and mounted as a necklace on a gold chain.
New York--Mourning jewelry was at its most prevalent between the 16th and 19th centuries, but one Brooklyn-based designer is updating the antique category with a modern spin.
Caitlin Mociun, the designer behind fine jewelry brand Mociun, which has its own boutique in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, was inspired to create a piece of jewelry to commemorate a friend’s loss.
“The first necklace I made was a gift for a friend who had a dog pass away recently,” Mociun explained. “She had the dog for as long as I knew her, and I wanted to create her something special as a way to always remember.”
Mociun came up with what she calls a “Time Capsule,” a 14-karat yellow gold hollow bead, which she filled with a tiny amount of the deceased pet’s ashes and mounted as a necklace on a gold chain.
Mociun shared a video of the necklace on her brand’s uber-popular Instagram account. As of press time, the video has garnered well over 500,000 views.
Since sharing the video two months ago, Mociun has received a significant amount of interest from clients looking for a way to honor their deceased loved ones.
“We will take a burnt letter, strand of hair, or ashes from a loved one or pet,” said Mociun. “We also can engrave the necklace, per the customer’s request.”
Mourning jewelry might have fallen out of favor over the last century-plus, but Mociun’s Insta-success proves there is still demand for it.
Mourning jewelry gained popularity after the execution of King Charles I of England in 1649. Before that time, memento mori (Latin for “Remember that you will die”) jewelry had been prevalent but the king’s execution created a demand for jewelry that was personal and individualized to the deceased.
This trend continued through the Victorian era, as portraits, locks of hair or names of loved ones were immortalized on rings, pendants and brooches.
After the Victorian era, the trend died out, appearing sporadically in jewelry by independent designers, like Wendy Brandes. Etsy, too, has an entire cremation jewelry category.
Mociun’s time capsule is notable for its understated elegance. The design is versatile and completely discreet, void of the outward proclamation of Victorian- and Georgian-era mourning jewelry.
For the designer, the time capsule provides another inroad into the custom jewelry category, which she said is “40 percent of our exclusive business.”
“The nature of our custom program is always changing
due to demand and the type of design I prefer to focus on,” said Mociun. “I personally enjoy the ability to try new ideas and work with clients for intricate designs.”
Next up for Mociun’s time capsules are new shapes of the beads, which currently retail for about $1,100, and a ring version of the design, which will undoubtedly make an appearance on Instagram.
Next up for Mociun’s time capsules are new shapes of the beads, which currently retail for about $1,100, and a ring version of the design, which will undoubtedly make an appearance on Instagram.
More on Trends
The Latest
TechnologyMar 11, 2026
Cast Jewelry’s Rachel Skelly on Coming Back Online Only Skelly shares her plans for reimagining the fine jewelry retailer she re-acquired after it faltered last year.
CollectionsMar 11, 2026
Pyrrha Highlights ‘The Space Between’ In New CollectionThe collection takes inspiration from the emotional space between people, moments, and experiences.
Brought to you by
Is This You? Every Jeweler Has This Problem; We Have the Solution.Every jeweler faces the same challenge: helping customers protect what they love. Here’s the solution designed for today’s jewelry business.
IndependentsMar 11, 2026
From the Jazz Age to the Information Age: London Jewelers Turns 100In 2026, the jewelry retailer is celebrating a milestone only a small percentage of family-owned businesses survive to see.
Weekly QuizMar 05, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
IndependentsMar 11, 2026
Virginia Jewelers Raise Nearly $30K for Children’s HospitalThe group of jewelers held a jewelry raffle in support of the Children’s Hospital of Richmond at VCU.
FinancialsMar 10, 2026
Signet Jewelers’ Q4 Sales Fall Flat The jewelry giant released preliminary results for the fourth quarter and full year on Monday, with final results slated to come next week.
Brought to you by
DCA Enters a New Chapter in Jewelry EducationWith refreshed branding, a new website, updated courses, and a pathway for growth, DCA is dedicated to supporting retail staff development.
MajorsMar 10, 2026
Saks Global to Close 15 More StoresThe retailer also gave an update on its vendor partnerships.
CollectionsMar 10, 2026
Gemstones ‘Bloom’ in Sorellina’s New CollectionThe “Bloom” collection draws from the flower power movement of the 1960s and ‘70s with inlay pendants offered in eight colorways.
Events & AwardsMar 10, 2026
Diamond-Studded Painting Shines at RJO Foundation AuctionThe unique piece was one of the custom works offered at the foundation's recent silent art auction, which garnered nearly $15,000 in total.
Events & AwardsMar 09, 2026
TJS Announces 2026 Scholarship WinnersAwards were given to four students, one apprentice, and an emerging jeweler.
AuctionsMar 09, 2026
Joanna Carson’s Jewels Lead White-Glove SaleThe top jewelry lot of the late model’s estate sale, hosted by John Moran Auctioneers, was an Oscar Heyman & Brothers for Cartier necklace.
GradingMar 06, 2026
Tom Moses Leaving GIA After Nearly 50 YearsMoses, who started at GIA’s Santa Monica lab in 1976, will leave the Gemological Institute of America in May.
Lab-GrownMar 06, 2026
Charles & Colvard Files for Bankruptcy, Citing Price PressuresIncreased competition, falling lab-grown diamond and moissanite prices, and the rising cost of gold took a toll on the moissanite maker.
CollectionsMar 06, 2026
Zome’s ‘Solara’ Earrings Embody Celestial BeautyThe earrings, our Piece of the Week, feature pink tourmalines as planets orbiting around an aquamarine center set in 18-karat rose gold.
MajorsMar 06, 2026
Pomellato’s 2026 IWD Campaign Spotlights Economic Abuse“The Price of Freedom” campaign video for International Women’s Day confronts the quiet violence of financial control.
Policies & IssuesMar 05, 2026
Tariffs to Increase to 15% This Week, Treasury Secretary Says Also, a federal judge has ordered that companies that paid tariffs implemented under the IEEPA are entitled to refunds.
CollectionsMar 05, 2026
Common Era Honors ‘Difficult Women’ in CollectionThe ever-growing collection, which just expanded with the addition of Olga of Kyiv, features cameos of 12 women from history.
TrendsMar 05, 2026
Engagement Ring Trends 2026: What’s In, and WhyWe asked a jewelry historian, designer, bridal director, and wedding expert what’s trending in engagement rings. Here’s what they said.
Events & AwardsMar 05, 2026
AGS Announces Conclave 2026 Speaker LineupThe annual event will be held in Orlando, Florida, from Sept. 14-17.
TrendsMar 05, 2026
Caitríona Balfe Fronts Only Natural Diamonds CoverThe “Outlander” star modeled for the digital cover of the magazine’s spring issue, which features a story on her relationship with jewelry.
MajorsMar 05, 2026
Registration Opens for CIBJO Centenary CongressThis year’s annual congress, which will mark the confederation’s 100th anniversary, will take place this fall in Italy.
MajorsMar 04, 2026
Michael M Opens First StoreBeverly Hills was chosen as the location for the brand’s first store, designed as a “private residence for modern monarchs.”
Policies & IssuesMar 04, 2026
Luxury Brands Temporarily Shutter Middle East StoresKering, Apple, and other retailers have reportedly temporarily closed stores in the Middle East region in light of the recent conflicts.
EditorsMar 04, 2026
Q&A: Brilliant Earth’s CEO on the New Beverly Hills StoreBeth Gerstein discusses the vibe of the new store, what customers want when fine jewelry shopping today, and the details of “Date Night.”
Events & AwardsMar 04, 2026
JIS Miami Spring Show to Feature New Gifts Pavilion, Pop-Up Trends TalksNearly half of buyers are prioritizing silver and fashion collections this season, organizers said.
