Rare Memento Mori Ring and Cartier’s Trinity Ring Featured in Upcoming Noonans Sale

Memento Mori is a Gothic jewelry style that was widely popular during the 14th through 17th centuries. These items often featured skulls, skeletons, and moral messages. They were a symbolic and creative representation of inevitable death. Memento Mori rings get their name from the Latin phrase ‘remember we must die.’ The upcoming Noonans sale presents a circa 1730 Memento Mori skeletal ring. The Georgian gold ring is set with a rock crystal and has a black enamel layer. It features a skeleton motif adornment on its shank. The ring carries the ‘Memento Mori’ inscription and the owner’s name on its interior. Other notable jewelry items in this sale include a 10.13-carat diamond ring. 

Also notable is a Cartier Trinity ring with three interlocking bands. Its yellow gold, white gold, and rose gold bands are studded with tiny diamonds. The Trinity collection was designed in 1924 by Louis Cartier. The intertwining design was a commission for Jean Cocteau, the French playwright. The ring’s design symbolizes friendship and fidelity. The sale will also showcase a Bon Ton jewelry set from Pasquale Bruni. The onyx and diamond jewelry set design has five floral petals that define the Maison icon. The faceting jewel petals have the Pasquale Bruni signature ‘Bon Ton’ cut. The auction also offers LeCoultre & Co. keyless watches, Omega and Rolex wristwatches, silverware, and gemstone jewelry. Interested collectors can explore the entire catalog on Noonans’ website and register to bid in the Jewellery and Objects of Vertu sale.