MajorsApr 29, 2026
The Thought Process Behind the Mother's Day Email Opt-OutSome retailers are taking a nuanced approach to marketing what can be a difficult holiday for many.
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
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
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
IndependentsApr 29, 2026
Dick Abbott to Retire From The EdgeThe Edge has announced its new CEO, as well as a new partnership with an investment firm focused on founder-led software businesses.
SourcingApr 29, 2026
De Beers’ Production Rises, Market Remains ‘Challenged’De Beers’ diamond production was up 17 percent in Q1, boosted by increased output at its mines in South Africa and Canada.
Brought to you by
Discover Timeless Treasures: A Showcase of Antique Jewelry & Timepieces in Las VegasGain access to the most exclusive and coveted antique pieces from trusted dealers during Las Vegas Jewelry Week.
AuctionsApr 29, 2026
This'll Be the Day You Own John Wayne's RingA signet ring belonging to the Western film star of Hollywood’s Golden Age will be up for auction at Elmwood’s next month.
Weekly QuizApr 23, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Policies & IssuesApr 28, 2026
Tariff Refunds: How to File, What to Expect Importers can submit claims now to receive money back for the IEEPA tariffs they’ve paid, with refunds expected to take up to 90 days.
IndependentsApr 28, 2026
This North Carolina Jeweler Is Passing the TorchThe owners of Gregory Jewelers in Morganton, North Carolina, are heading into retirement.
Brought to you by
Las Vegas Antique Jewelry & Watch Show: Showcasing the Most Collectible Merchandise from Across the GlobeGain access to the most exclusive and coveted antique pieces from trusted dealers during Las Vegas Jewelry Week.
SourcingApr 28, 2026
Doug Hucker Retires From ICAThe colored gemstone industry leader is heading into retirement after four years as the association’s CEO.
SourcingApr 28, 2026
NDC Hires Tapestry Exec to Head Global Marketing Susie Dewey joins the Natural Diamond Council as its new chief marketing officer.
AuctionsApr 27, 2026
12 Years Later, the ‘Ocean Dream’ Diamond Resurfaces at Christie’sThe largest known fancy vivid blue-green diamond could fetch more than $12 million at its second auction appearance.
ColumnistsApr 27, 2026
Stop Treating Mother’s Day Like an AfterthoughtEmmanuel Raheb says jewelers need to start marketing early and make it easy for customers to pick a gift for mom.
IndependentsApr 27, 2026
Longnecker Jewelry Celebrates 30 YearsIn honor of the milestone, the Nebraska jeweler has debuted Leslie & Co., its new in-house jewelry brand.
MajorsApr 27, 2026
JBT Re-Elects Jeff Corey as Board ChairThe trade organization, which held its annual elections earlier this year, also added five new board members.
SurveysApr 24, 2026
Mother’s Day 2026 Jewelry Spending to Top $7B, NRF SaysNRF’s annual survey found that 45 percent of consumers plan to purchase jewelry for a loved one this Mother’s Day.
TechnologyApr 24, 2026
TwentyFour’s Digital-Age Locket Is a Virtual VaultThe “Vault” charm, our Piece of the Week, expands on the memories that can be stored in a locket by connecting to your phone.
Events & AwardsApr 24, 2026
Hamptons Jewelry Show to Return in JulyThe open-to-the-public luxury jewelry and timepiece show, in its second year, is slated for July 23-26.
IndependentsApr 23, 2026
Meet the Real Moms of Day’s JewelersThe jeweler’s Mother’s Day campaign highlights the women who work there—mothers, grandmothers, women who want to be mothers, and dog moms.
Supplier BulletinApr 23, 2026
JM® Shipping Solution: Smarter Shipping for High-Value GoodsSponsored by Jewelers Mutual
Lab-GrownApr 23, 2026
Charles & Colvard May Sell Assets for $1.5MThe proposed agreement follows the moissanite maker’s Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection filing last month.
AuctionsApr 23, 2026
John Jacob Astor IV’s Titanic Pocket Watch Fetches $1MThe Patek Philippe for Tiffany & Co. timepiece Astor brought aboard the ill-fated ship sold for double its estimate at a Freeman’s auction.
CollectionsApr 23, 2026
Adam Neeley’s High Jewelry Collection Steps Into Salvador Dalí’s GardenThe “Dalí’s Garden” collection was inspired by a surreal dream Neeley had after cooking a recipe from Salvador Dalí’s 1973 cookbook.
IndependentsApr 23, 2026
Windsor Jewelers Names New Buying DirectorNatalie Feanny has been appointed to the role.
CrimeApr 22, 2026
New Mexico Couple Pleads Guilty to Selling Fake Native American JewelryThe pair falsely claimed their jewelry was made by Navajo artists, but it was imported from Vietnam.
AuctionsApr 22, 2026
Roberta Flack’s Jewelry Is Going Up for AuctionJulien’s Auctions is selling the musician’s fine and fashion jewelry alongside her clothing, gold records, and other memorabilia.
CollectionsApr 22, 2026
British Museum Curator Pens Book on ‘The Tudor Heart’Rachel King’s book dives into the history of the pendant believed to have belonged to Henry VIII and his first wife, Katherine of Aragon.
Events & AwardsApr 22, 2026
Here’s What Sy Kessler Has on Tap for Las Vegas The company will have deals on precious metals testers as well as the latest in lab-grown diamond detection technology and security.
