ES FUI sterling + gemstone eye skull signet ring ∙ Victorian Memento Mori cast ring
A modern-day "Memento Mori" diamond-studded skull ring with gemstone eyes (diamond, black diamond, sapphire, or ruby) in bright sterling silver.
The ring is made from a casting of a ca. 1880s Victorian wax seal, originally carved in black glass and used as part of a rotating desk seal. 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."
Measurements: face 13mm x 11mm (oval)/band uniform width, 1.5mm. Approx. 4 grams.
Era: modern casting from a ca. 1880s glass intaglio seal
Materials: Sterling silver, gemstones
NOTE: Please indicate your exact ring size at check out and allow 2–3 weeks for completion of your custom ring.
▴ Interested in other gemstones, metals, or configurations not mentioned here? Let's make it happen! Convo me!
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.
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Returns & Exchanges
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