ES FUI plain sterling skull big signet ring ∙ Victorian Memento Mori custom cast ring
A modern-day "Memento Mori" skull ring with the Latin epitaph "Es, Fui; Sum, Eris," crafted in sterling silver or gold. This ring is made in a classic "gentleman's" signet style, with heavier, wider shoulders.
The ring is made from a casting of a ca. 1880s Victorian wax seal in my personal collection. Because the ring is a casting, it can still be used for its original purpose: to stamp or seal! This piece features the somber phrase: "What you are, I once was; what I am now, you will be." In shorthand Latin it appears as: "Es, Fui; Sum, Eris." The moving phrase reminds us of our mortality and is redoubled by the image of death itself, the skull. This phrase was a known epitaph during Roman times, appearing most notably on a tombstone at Fanum Fortunae:
"Viator, viator! Quod tu es, ego fui; quod nunc sum, et tu eris //
"Traveler, traveler! What you are, I once was; what I am now, you will be."
NOTE: Please indicate your preferred ring size and gemstone at check out and allow 2–3 weeks for completion of your custom ring.
Measurements: face 13mm x 11mm (oval)
Weight dependent on size. For example, STERLING size 8 1/2 US = 7 grams and 10K size 9 US = 7.5 grams
Era: modern casting from a ca. 1880s glass intaglio seal
Fun fact: We originally made this ring for rocker guitarist, Slash!
Payment Details
A 6% sales tax will be collected on orders shipped to our guests in Michigan.
Layaway is offered through the ShopPay checkout option! Select ShopPay and pay in 4 interest-free installments. You will receive your purchase without delay as in traditional layaway.
Shipping
Domestic: In-stock items ship within three days of purchase (usually within two!) via USPS. Our default is USPS Priority Mail unless your purchase is over $1,000, in which case we require USPS Express Mail + signature confirmation. Insurance is included with all domestic purchases.
International: Default shipping is via USPS First Class International Mail unless the value of the parcel is $400 or more, in which case we default to USPS Priority Mail International shipping. Please allow 3–4 weeks for delivery. Insurance for international orders is available upon request and for an added fee.
Click here for our full shipping policy.
Need it in a hurry? Want to send it to a sneaky location? Prefer a different carrier than what you see here? Get in touch!
Returns & Exchanges
Your experience at Jean Jean Vintage is 100% guaranteed. If you are disappointed with your shopping experience or your purchase for any reason, please give us the opportunity to make it right for you!
Click here for details on returns, refunds, and exchanges.