Meet Sam
About Rock & Rose
My name is Sam, and 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!
Dedicated to pushing the boundaries of traditional jewellery design, I combine the elegance of silver and copper with the alluring mystery of the unknown. I create delicate jewellery with an edge that is not only beautiful but also meaningful.
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.
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!
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.
It all started with my memento mori skull ring. A simple, tiny skull on a thin band that can be worn daily.
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.
What is memento mori?
“memento mori” = an object kept as a reminder of the inevitability of death, such as a skull. The origin of the phrase is Latin meaning ‘remember (that you have to die)’.
Memento mori as a phrase and 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.
The skull motif was used on numerous graves in New England in the 17th and 18th centuries like the one below that I photographed while in 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 the memento mori picture became popular in the 17th century, modern artists, and crafters like me continue to explore this genre.
My skull cufflinks are actually moulded from an original antique skull bead!
If I can help you find a unique piece of jewellery or you would like to discuss a commission, then just send me a message. We’d love to hear from you!
