MajorsApr 23, 2025
Bulgari Doubles Size of Jewelry Factory in ItalyLocated in Valenza, the now 355,000-square-foot facility includes a new jewelry school that’s open to the public, Scuola Bulgari.
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
Events & AwardsApr 23, 2025
PDPaola Creative Director Wins FGI’s ‘Rising Star’ AwardPaola Sasplugas, co-founder of the Barcelona-based jewelry brand, received the Fine Jewelry Award.
AuctionsApr 23, 2025
Rare Custom Rolex Daytona Heads to AuctionA platinum Zenith-powered Daytona commissioned in the late ‘90s will headline Sotheby’s Important Watches sale in Geneva next month.
Brought to you by
Protect Your Customers and Your BusinessThe risk of laboratory-grown diamonds being falsely presented as natural diamonds presents a very significant danger to consumer trust.
MajorsApr 23, 2025
David Yurman’s New Campaign Stars Carmelo Anthony, Jaylen BrownThe basketball stars wear men’s jewelry from the “Curb Chain” collection.
Weekly QuizApr 18, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
MajorsApr 22, 2025
Zales’ Rebrand Takes Playful Approach to Fine JewelryThe Signet Jewelers-owned retailer wants to encourage younger shoppers to wear fine jewelry every day, not just on special occasions.
AuctionsApr 22, 2025
Christie’s to Auction JAR Jewelry CollectionThe 21 pieces, all from a private collector, will be offered at its Magnificent Jewels auction next month.
ColumnistsApr 22, 2025
The PR Adviser: Building Buzz Through Word of MouthLilian Raji answers a question from a reader who is looking to grow her jewelry business but has a limited marketing budget.
GradingApr 22, 2025
Avi Levy Is GCAL By Sarine’s New Chief Growth OfficerGCAL by Sarine created the new role to sharpen the company’s focus on strategic partnerships and scalable expansion.
IndependentsApr 22, 2025
Brinker’s Jewelers Acquires Fellow IndependentThe Indiana jeweler has acquired Scottsdale Fine Jewelers in Scottsdale, Arizona.
Events & AwardsApr 21, 2025
An Exhibition Exploring the History of Cartier Is Now on Display“Cartier: Design, Craft, and Legacy” opened earlier this month at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London.
IndependentsApr 21, 2025
New York Jeweler to Close After 111 YearsVan Cott Jewelers in Vestal, New York, is hosting a going-out-of-business sale.
IndependentsApr 21, 2025
IJO Names New Director of Vendor Relations, Merchandise StrategyIndustry veteran Samantha Larson has held leadership roles at Borsheims, McTeigue & McClelland, Stuller, and Long’s Jewelers.
Events & AwardsApr 21, 2025
Jewelers of Louisiana, Mississippi Jewelers Association to Co-Host ConventionThe two organizations will hold the educational event together this fall in Mississippi.
Events & AwardsApr 18, 2025
Daymond John to Give Keynote at JCK Las VegasThe entrepreneur and “Shark Tank” star will share his top tips for success.
CollectionsApr 18, 2025
Piece of the Week: Dukachi’s ‘Easter Bread’ PendantThe Ukrainian brand’s new pendant is modeled after a traditional paska, a pastry often baked for Easter in Eastern European cultures.
IndependentsApr 18, 2025
Bremer Jewelry to Reveal Renovated StoreThe jeweler has announced a grand reopening for its recently remodeled location in Peoria, Illinois.
MajorsApr 18, 2025
Tiffany & Co. Employees Star in Mother’s Day CampaignThe “Strong Like Mom” campaign features moms who work at Tiffany & Co. and their children.
CollectionsApr 17, 2025
John Hardy, Athena Calderone Partner on Art Deco Decor-Inspired CollectionInterior designer Athena Calderone looked to decor from the 1920s and 1930s when crafting her first fine jewelry collection.
FinancialsApr 17, 2025
Movado Group to Increase Prices to Offset Tariffs ImpactDuring a call about its full-year results, CEO Efraim Grinberg discussed how the company is approaching the uncertainty surrounding tariffs.
Lab-GrownApr 17, 2025
NDC Launches Its Diamond Learning CenterThe free program provides educational content for jewelry salespeople and enthusiasts to learn or refresh their diamond knowledge.
Policies & IssuesApr 17, 2025
Jewelers of America Requests Tariffs Testimonials from MembersThe feedback will be used to prepare other jewelers for the challenges ahead, the organization said.
TechnologyApr 17, 2025
Technology Therapy Group Expands AI Training for Jewelry RetailersThe online sessions are designed to teach jewelers to use AI tools like ChatGPT and Claude to grow their business.
IndependentsApr 16, 2025
Catbird Expands to ChicagoThe opening marks the jewelry retailer’s first location in the Midwest.
CollectionsApr 16, 2025
Foundrae’s First Commitment Jewelry Collection Unites Through LoveThe “United in Love” collection offers tangible mementos of hearts entwined with traditional and non-traditional commitment heirlooms.
IndependentsApr 16, 2025
Indiana Jeweler to Host Black Jewelry Designer Pop-UpRobert Goodman Jewelers will hold a “Black Jewelry Designers and Makers” event on April 27.
