BABY DEAR

Where did you come from, baby dear?
Out of the everywhere into the here.
Where did you get those eyes so blue?
Out of the sky as I came through.
What makes the light in them sparkle and spin?
Some of the starry spikes left in.
Where did you get that little tear?
I found it waiting when I got here.
What makes your forehead so smooth and high?
A soft hand strok’d it as I went by.
What makes your cheek like a warm white rose?
I saw something better than any one knows.
Whence that three-corner’d smile of bliss?
Three angels gave me at once a kiss.
Where did you get this pearly ear?
God spoke, and it came out to hear.
Where did you get those arms and hands?
Love made itself into bonds and bands.
Feet, whence did you come, you darling things?
From the same box as the cherubs’ wings.
How did they all just come to be you?
God thought about me, and so I grew.
But how did you come to us, you dear?
God thought about you, and so I am here.	George Macdonald 1895

GEORGIAN MEMENTO MORI SEPIA ON IVORY SKULL AND CROSSBONES RING

This is an antique Georgian high carat gold content memento mori ring with a watercolor sepia of a skull and crossbones on ivory under a glazed compartment. 

There are willow branches in the background which symbolize mourning. 

The rear is inscribed to a married couple with the same initials, "S T," who died two months apart in 1802.  It is absolutely stunning.

1800s SKULL AND CROSSBONES SECRET SOCIETY COIN

Newest to my collection is this absolutely amazing hand engraved skull and crossbones secret society two cent coin.  It reminds me of a wax seal matrix.

So, this coin represents the Skull and Bones Society which was founded in 1832.  It is an undergraduate (alumni) secret society at Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, and the members are known as, "Bonesmen".  Among some of the prominent alumni members were former Presidents William Howard Taft, George H.W. Bush, George W. Bush and former U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry, amongst many others. 

The number 322 is the society's emblem and refers to the death of Demosthenes, a Greek orator, who died in 322 BC.  It is believed that the Greek goddess Eulogia, the goddess of eloquence, came down from the heavens and took up residence in the tomb of the Skull and Bones.  Huh?

Okay, I believe some of these Bonesmen had a little too much to drink the night they came up with 322 because I'm having a hard time finding the connection between Demosthenes' death in 322 B.C. and the goddess Eulogia, but it is a secret society's emblem, so perhaps we're not supposed to know what the true meaning is-after all, it IS a secret....  But if anyone knows more about this legend, please post a message.

Anyway, I'll be using this coin to reproduce memento mori sterling silver earrings, minus the 322. 

So keep a weather eye on Metal Corset. 

VICTORIAN GOLD PLATED SHIP WHEEL COMPASS FOB

I recently found this gorgeous gold plated Victorian ship wheel compass fob.  The back is gorgeous with an engraved star and the constellation of orbiting planets.  One handle is missing, but overall it's a stunning piece.  Soon to be part of an assemblage bracelet from my, "Hand Series."  So keep a weather eye.

GEORGIAN PLAITED HAIR PADLOCK

Soon to be listed to Metal Corset II is this stunning Georgian era padlock with plaited hair under glass.  The opposite side has an intricate hand chased or engraved floral and paisley design.  Measures 1" tall.

MEMENTO MORI AND ROYALIST JEWELRY

Lately, I've noticed a refocus on memento mori and Charles I Royalist jewelry.  I've long been fascinated with the history associated and their beauty.  Out of all the jewelry I've collected over the years, the Stuart crystal pieces, including many Royalist pieces, are favorites.

The images are mostly from the web and are the most beautiful, in my opinion, of memento mori and Royalist pieces I've come across.  I continue to covet them and so desperately need to win that lottery!  Enjoy the beautiful images!

PS-The last photo shows Elizabeth I's ring encrusted with rubies. Inside, two jeweled portraits, one of herself and one of her mother, Anne Boleyn. (I couldn't resist!)

9 CARAT VICTORIAN PLAITED HAIR LOCKET WATCH KEY

Newest to my collection is this exquisite Victorian plaited hair locket watch key in 9 carat gold.  I'm drawn to these plaited hair lockets and can't seem to get enough of them!