Meet Sam
About Rock & Rose
Are you looking for Gothic-inspired jewellery that helps you express your alternative side with a touch of delicacy?
Then you’re in the right place! Hello and welcome. My name is Sam, and I create delicate jewellery with an edge that is not only beautiful but meaningful to you.
I am dedicated to pushing the boundaries of traditional jewellery design, combining the elegance of silver and copper with the alluring mystery of the unknown.
Sometimes referred to as ‘office goth’, my jewellery designs are driven by a personal desire to create pieces for people who want delicate Gothic-inspired jewellery to wear daily.
Why I do what I do
For some time, I struggled to find gorgeous Gothic-inspired jewellery in mainstream shops. I wanted something that will show the world my
individuality and my passion for history and mystery.
It all started with my memento mori skull ring. A simple, tiny skull on a thin band that can be worn daily.
What is memento mori?
“memento mori” is a Latin phrase meaning ‘remember you must die’. It can be an object kept as a reminder of the inevitability of death, such as a skull. It doesn’t have to be morbid or sad but a reminder to live your life to the fullest.
Memento mori as an art object emerged in late 16th/early 17th centuries as an instruction to value the eternal life of your spirit over the temporary life of your body.
One of my favourite skull motifs is those used on graves around New England in the 17th and 18th centuries like the one below that I photographed while on holiday in Boston, MA.
Art historians use memento mori as a technical term for artworks that contain reminders of mortality, including the classic skull but also hourglasses and candles (which burn out) and flowers (which decay).
Although memento mori became popular in jewellery in the Georgian period, modern artists, and jewellers like me continue to explore this genre.
My skull cufflinks are actually moulded from an original antique skull bead!
What’s the fascination with skulls?
I’m captivated by different cultures and ancient history as I studied it for my first degree. I am particularly fascinated with the way different cultures, present and past, use skulls as a memorial item such as Day of the Dead sugar skulls and memento mori as a way of remembering them.
Having lost 2 close family members in my life I sometimes have a view of death that some might find morbid or melancholic, but I see it as a lovely way of remembering them.
A little about me
I started my jewellery journey in 2018 with beaded jewellery and then decided I wanted to move to using metals. ‘Rock & Rose’ was born in 2021 and I now make beautiful mixed metal jewellery inspired by history and mystery.
I live in Cheshire with my lovely husband and our little border terrier, Boba. I’ve always loved shiny things: my husband says I was a magpie in a previous life!
If I can help you find a unique piece of jewellery or you would like to discuss a commission, I’d love to hear from you.
Rock & Rose Mission Statement
Rock & Rose Jewellery is…
- Driven by a rebellious spirit and a passion for the unknown.
- Creating delicate jewellery with an edge that is not only beautiful but also meaningful.
- Dedicated to pushing the boundaries of traditional jewellery design, combining the elegance of silver and copper with the alluring mystery of the unknown.
- Helping you discover the beauty of darkness and embracing the rebel within, let’s raise hell with elegance!
