Hand-casted in the USA, this double sided wax seal pendant features the Latin words MEMENTO MORI with a skull on one side, and MEMENTO VIVERE with an old sailor’s face on the other.

MEMENTO MORI means "Remember you will die." Let this side of the pendant remind you to live every day to its fullest potential, for we are not promised tomorrow - just as the phrase conveys, death is inevitable. This phrase and its imagery (usually a human skull) has been around since the medieval period with roots in classical antiquity and Christianity, but it is still just as relevant today. This is not a morbid message, but instead a positive reminder to make the most of every moment you are given, to recognize the opportunity in every day we wake up and keep breathing. How do you want to live life? To its fullest, or with regrets of joy undiscovered? Life is fleeting, so treasure every gift, and guide others to that same appreciation for life.

MEMENTO VIVERE means “Remember to live.” This phrase originated in the mid 19th century, supposedly created from classical Latin as a direct counterpart to MEMENTO MORI as a reminder of life and the pleasure of living. While MEMENTO VIVERE is less common than its mirror phrase, we believe that both phrases can impart a positive outlook. It's easy to allow the tides of life to carry us along into passivity or to succumb to an unhealthy preoccupation with mortality. We have to fight this tendency and remember that we have lives left to live, and to live them to the fullest. For anyone struggling with a dark period or mental health issues, this phrase can help you see the beauty and light around you - the things worth living for. Make the most of every day with this pendant as a reminder to take some risks, take some rest, and appreciate every piece of joy that life has to offer.

We appreciate the dual nature of this juxtaposition of ideals, and enjoy the contrast that the images of life and death create. Wear this pendant with the same side always presented to a viewer, or switch between the two sides depending on which phrase you want to focus on for the day.