Memento Mori Collection.

Ok, ok... sorry. I know this is really late! I have no excuse other than having been incredibly busy working on things and skipping off around the country to various work related engagements. It's been good though and now, here I am, about to post pictures of my new stuff for you to peruse.

Looking back at my previous entry you will see a few photo's that served as examples of my interests and inspiration for this new line of jewellery. I hope you will see some of this reflected in the pieces I have been working on recently. I have plans for much, much more along these lines but, for now... here it is. The Memento Mori Collection by Sacré Coeur...

The pieces shown to the right are all from the first range in this collection. Named 'Corvus' because of the choice of a representation of the crow skull for the cameo, each piece is made by hand here in my studio. The cameo's are my own design which were hand carved and then produced one by one. No two are identical. The settings that they sit in are also handmade by me having spent months searching for suitable pieces from which I could make my own moulds and cast my own in whatever quantities I need.

On the far left of this picture is an example of the next line of hand carved cameo's named Death's Touch. Smaller sizes will follow as well as further new designs. Death's Touch is currently available as the necklace pictured and a miniature top hat like the Corvus hat pictured above.

These are all available to buy now from my online shop here: Sacré Coeur

Or, if you prefer, at my Etsy shop here.

Thanks very much for looking! I'd love to hear your thoughts :)

New Collection!

So, anyone who follows me on Twitter (twitter.com/paradisaea & twitter.com/_sacrecoeur_) will have seen me hinting at a new collection of jewellery and accessories that I will soon be launching. I've got pretty much everything ready to go so I will very shortly be sharing pictures with you all and items will be up for sale in my Etsy store. For now however, I will let you in on a little more information about the new collection to give you a bit of an idea what to expect.

It is no secret amongst my friends, colleagues and acquaintances, that I have a longstanding interest in, and passion for, all things Victorian. Visually, culturally and historically speaking, I am absolutely infatuated with all things 19th century. One of the most prominent, distinctive and fascinating aspects of Victorian culture was their mourning 'ritual'. The ideals behind it, the photographs, the clothing, the jewellery... everything. It's just so wonderfully macabre! It was very much a part of daily life though. The use of jet in intricately carved brooches, pins, pendants and beadwork. Locks of hair from the deceased, delicately knotted and forever encased in lockets to be worn my grieving loved ones. Skulls and bones incorporated into beautiful designs made from gold, diamonds, pearls and other precious metals and stones. It's all so beautiful. Of course, it is worth mentioning that 'Memento Mori' was not a Victorian concept, it had already been around for centuries prior... but somehow, it tied in so perfectly with their way of life, it has become inextricably linked with the era. The pictures throughout this entry are some examples of the sort of thing I gather inspiration from. Compiled with the help of Google Images of course ;)

I have been working to combine aspects of this with my other influences. Mainly the natural world. Over the past few months, I have been working hard, carving, moulding, casting and polishing handmade components for my new pieces that will not be seen anywhere else. Encompassing the current appreciation for cameo jewellery, mourning aesthetic, the animal kingdom and the use of modern materials, my new collection will centre around all of the above but, most importantly, be wearable. The range will consist of ready to wear pieces such as necklaces, brooches, rings, earrings etc as well as couture and one off pieces. You can expect to see a lot of shiny black, bone hues, intricate scrollwork settings, lace, velvet and.... latex. I told you there was modern materials involved as well!

I'll post some pictures of it all up soon. Let me know your thoughts!