CollectionsMay 29, 2026
Cultus Artem’s Necklace Is the Oasis in Las Vegas’ DesertThe “River of Heaven” necklace, our Piece of the Week debuting at Couture, combines 26 salt and pepper diamonds spaced by Tahitian pearls.
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
IndependentsMay 29, 2026
Meet the 2026 Retailer Hall of Fame InducteesThis year’s inductees include second-, third-, and fourth-generation jewelers.
Events & AwardsMay 28, 2026
JCK Announces Jesse Itzler as 2026 Keynote SpeakerThe author, speaker, and entrepreneur will give his presentation, “Spiritual Billionaire,” on Saturday morning.
Brought to you by
All Eyes on Gold Prices. Alternatives to Look For. And What to BEWARE of in VegasAs gold prices rise, today’s retailers are looking for alternatives at prices that will appeal to wider audiences.
Events & AwardsMay 28, 2026
JCK Rocks To Ride With NellyThree-time Grammy award-winning artist Nelly is set to perform at the annual event at Tao Beach on Sunday night.
Weekly QuizMay 28, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
MajorsMay 28, 2026
Signet Jewelers to Buy The Clear Cut Signet will integrate the online-only, natural diamond-focused jeweler into Blue Nile, which it wants to position as a higher-end retailer.
CollectionsMay 28, 2026
Meet The 17 Newcomers to Couture’s Design AtelierThese up-and-coming jewelry brands are bringing their distinct aesthetic and unique point-of-view to the Design Atelier for the first time.
Brought to you by
How Modern Training Is Becoming a Competitive Advantage for Jewelry RetailersWith the trade and customer trust in mind, GIA® developed NextGem™ – on-demand training designed specifically for retail.
GradingMay 28, 2026
GCAL By Sarine Launches 8X Cushion CutThe lab’s proprietary diamond cut grade has been expanded to include the popular fancy shape.
Events & AwardsMay 27, 2026
5 Security Tips for Las Vegas Jewelry Market Week 2026This year, it’s what could happen outside of show hours that worries JSA Executive Vice President Scott Guginsky.
ColumnistsMay 27, 2026
What Jewelers Can Learn From Luxury Fashion’s Digital PlaybookHigh-end fashion houses know how to emotionally connect with customers online. Retail jewelers should take note, Emmanuel Raheb writes.
Events & AwardsMay 27, 2026
Couture’s ‘The Iridescence’ Will Showcase 7 Emerging Jewelry DesignersThe designers are the third cohort of mentees from the show’s Belonging @ Couture mentorship program.
ColumnistsMay 26, 2026
The Key Mindset for Better Trade Show BuyingBuying discipline at trade shows starts with clarity about your inventory levels, Smith writes.
Events & AwardsMay 26, 2026
12 JCK Talks Sessions to Add to Your Las Vegas ScheduleThe trade show’s education series returns, with sessions on retail trends, AI, watches, marketing, corporate responsibility, and more.
Events & AwardsMay 26, 2026
CBG Brings Its Curated Designer Project to Las Vegas ShowThe Curated Designer Project has expanded to highlight eight independent jewelry designers during CBG’s Las Vegas show.
Events & AwardsMay 22, 2026
Instore Buys JA New York ShowThe deal closed this week, which means Instore will produce the JA NY show slated to take place this fall.
FinancialsMay 22, 2026
Richemont’s Jewelry Brands Lead the Charge in Q4The company’s jewelry sales were up in Q4 and the fiscal year, with Richemont raising prices in part because of the cost of gold.
CollectionsMay 22, 2026
Leigh Maxwell Celebrates 5 Years at Couture With ‘Bauble’ CollectionThe “Bauble” capsule collection of colorful one-of-a-kinds includes our Piece of the Week, the “Bauble” earrings, featuring rose zircon.
MajorsMay 22, 2026
Stuller’s New Packaging, Display Catalog Is Out The updated catalog has a newly dedicated section for gift wrapping.
PodcastsMay 21, 2026
Episode 5: Sotheby’s Frank Everett Puts the Auction Market in PerspectiveEverett covers colored stones’ surging popularity, the mellow return of the “Mellon Blue,” and his “The Devil Wears Prada” doppelgänger.
IndependentsMay 21, 2026
Springer’s Jewelers’ New Flagship Will Serve Next-Gen Luxury ShoppersFourth-generation CEO Lilly Mullen wants to emphasize experience, connection, and personalized service.
Events & AwardsMay 21, 2026
JA Announces Nina Pugliese Memorial ScholarshipThe new award, created in partnership with Henne Jewelers, honors the late designer’s legacy through supporting jewelry education.
SourcingMay 21, 2026
Botswana, Angola Join WFDBThe addition of the diamond-producing countries as nation affiliated members broadens the federation’s global representation, WFDB said.
CrimeMay 20, 2026
NYPD Warns of Jewelry Swap Scams Targeting SeniorsThe NYPD is warning elderly New Yorkers to keep their jewelry hidden when walking outside to avoid being a target.
IndependentsMay 20, 2026
Adornment & Theory’s New Store Feels Like Home Designer Viviana Langhoff has realized her dream of owning a space for her Chicago jewelry store that looks and feels like her brand.
Events & AwardsMay 20, 2026
Here Is Couture’s 2026 Education Lineup The sessions will run from Friday, May 29, to Sunday, May 31, with one being a live taping of an episode of Couture’s podcast.
Lab-GrownMay 20, 2026
Savannah Friedkin Jewelry Names New CEOFormer Stephanie Gottlieb Fine Jewelry executive Morgan P. Richardson is joining the lab-grown diamond jewelry brand.
