About the Item

Wendy has long been inspired by skulls, as artists have been for centuries. This type of jewelry is known by the Latin phrase “Memento mori” -- “remember you are mortal.” Wendy interprets it as a call to live life to its fullest. This one-of-kind piece took highly skilled artisans months to create. The onyx was hand-carved in Germany in collaboration with Wendy's goldsmith in New York City, who provided to-the-millimeter measurements. The artist hid diamonds inside the shank, behind the skull, for the ultimate in covert luxury –- a treat intended only for the owner’s eyes, or those confidantes who are let in on the secret. 18k yellow gold, satin finish. Hand-carved onyx skull. Custom-cut tsavorites (green garnet), totaling 2 carats. Hidden white diamonds, approx. 7 points. E/F, VS1/VS2. Size 6. One-of-a-kind. Made in New York City.

Creator:
Wendy Brandes
Ring Size:
6 US, Not Resizable
Metal:
18k Gold,Yellow Gold,Rhodium,Gold
Stone:
Diamond,White Diamond,Garnet,Onyx,Tsavorite
Stone Cut:
Round Cut
Style:
Contemporary
Place of Origin:
United States
Period:
2000-2009
Date of Manufacture:
2008
Condition:
Seller Location:
New York, NY
Reference Number:
1stDibs: LU95714332811

Wendy Brandes Jewelry

About the Designer: Jewelry design is Wendy Brandes’s second career. Wendy started out as a business journalist at the Wall Street Journal and CNN, later switching to pop-culture coverage during her tenure as managing editor of People magazine’s website. Her story-telling skills remain as strong as ever, but they’re now expressed in carat weight and grams of gold instead of word count. Wendy's “Fine Jewelry for Witty People" is distinguished by its stellar workmanship; warm, satin finish; hidden and symbolic details, including mechanical parts; and wry commentary on everything from history to iPhone addiction. Her award-winning 18K yellow gold collection -- featured here -- is inspired by fascinating women, and all designs are limited-edition or one-of-a-kind. Wendy has been featured in the New York Times, W Magazine, and British Vogue, and her jewelry has been spotted on Rihanna, model Bella Hadid and Britney Spears.