Margaret Cross Jewelry: Mourning, Memento Mori & Sentimental Pieces
Can jewelry truly encapsulate grief, loss, and remembrance? Margaret Cross, through her meticulously crafted pieces, proves that it can, transforming sorrow into enduring beauty.
In the heart of Brooklyn, a poignant narrative unfolds within the gleaming confines of a jewelry studio. Here, a designer named Margaret Cross breathes life into fine modern mourning, memento mori, and sentimental jewelry. This isn't merely an artisan's workshop; it's a sanctuary where the echoes of the past are honored and transformed into tangible expressions of love and remembrance. The story of Margaret Cross and her creations is a testament to the human spirit's capacity to find beauty even in the darkest of times.
The genesis of Margaret Cross's unique approach to jewelry making can be traced back to 2008. It was a year marked by personal tragedy, a loss that would forever alter the course of her life. In the wake of her partner's passing, Cross sought a way to navigate the overwhelming grief. She discovered a profound practice: transforming memories into wearable art. Using her partner's hair, she crafted pieces for herself, a tangible connection to the person she loved. This act of creation served not only as solace but also as the seed of a burgeoning business, Love & Loss by Margaret Cross, a company dedicated to memorializing loved ones through custom-made jewelry.
| Full Name: | Margaret Cross |
| Known For: | Designer and Creator of Fine Modern Mourning Jewelry |
| Company: | Love & Loss by Margaret Cross, Goldengrove Jewelry |
| Education: | Trained as a Printmaker at Pratt Institute |
| Location: | Brooklyn, New York |
| Specialty: | Victorian Sentimental and Mourning-Inspired Jewelry, Memento Mori Pieces |
| Materials: | Recycled Metals, Ethically Sourced Stones, Hair |
| Inspiration: | Personal Tragedy, Gerard Hopkins' Poem 'Spring and Fall' |
| Website: | goldengrovejewelry.com |
Margaret Cross's journey didn't begin in the world of jewelry. Her training as a printmaker at the Pratt Institute provided her with the foundational skills that would later inform her craft. The meticulous attention to detail, the understanding of composition, and the artistic sensibility honed during her printmaking studies all converged when she turned her focus to jewelry. This background is evident in the intricate designs and the emotional depth of her creations.
The brand Love & Loss by Margaret Cross is more than just a business; it's a philosophy. The core mission is to provide a way for people to memorialize their loved ones. The pieces are not just aesthetically beautiful; they serve as enduring reminders of those who have passed, offering comfort and a tangible connection to memories. These pieces become more than just adornments; they are heirlooms meant to be treasured and passed down through generations.
The design philosophy behind Goldengrove Jewelry, another of Cross's ventures, is deeply rooted in Victorian aesthetics and sentimental symbolism. The brand name itself is drawn from the 1918 poem "Spring and Fall" by Gerard Manley Hopkins. This literary influence permeates the designs, imbuing each piece with layers of meaning and historical context. The jewelry often features classic Victorian motifs, such as clasped hands, which symbolize union and remembrance. This choice of design elements provides a timeless quality to the jewelry, making it relevant and meaningful for any era.
The workshop in Brooklyn is where these visions come to life. Using 100% recycled metals and ethically sourced stones, Cross prioritizes both quality and sustainability. Her commitment to these practices reflects a broader ethical consciousness, ensuring that the creation of each piece aligns with values of environmental responsibility and fairness. The process of creating each piece is a testament to the dedication and the high level of detail that is put into the process, from the initial concept to the final polish.
The range of jewelry available from Margaret Cross spans a wide spectrum of designs and aesthetics. The Memento Mori necklaces, crafted in sterling silver or 14k yellow gold with enamel, are a powerful reminder of the transient nature of life. These pieces serve as a poignant reflection on mortality, prompting contemplation and gratitude. The clasped hands motif, historically significant in mourning jewelry, is another recurring element. These pieces not only serve as a symbol of connection with the departed, but also of the hope of reunion and the enduring strength of love.
A recent addition to her collection is the stunning bezel set rose cut cushion salt & pepper diamond ring. This ring, held aloft by two skulls and engraved with "till death" on the inside of the band, showcases the innovative and contemporary perspective that Cross takes in her designs. This ring is a prime example of how Cross merges the traditional concepts of mourning jewelry with a more modern aesthetic.
The equestrian ring, available on the Goldengrove website, is a piece that highlights Cross's ability to incorporate diverse inspirations. The design, priced at $150, showcases her capacity to offer pieces that are both accessible and artistically compelling.
The prices for custom mourning pieces start at $995, reflecting the highly personalized nature of the work and the value placed on the individual story each piece represents. This investment ensures the creation of a truly unique and meaningful piece. Prospective clients are encouraged to inquire about full price sheets and current production times, as each piece is crafted with care and attention to detail.
The availability of Margaret Cross's work extends beyond her own website. Pieces have been available for sale on platforms such as Poshmark and various vintage and antique marketplaces. This broad availability allows her work to reach a wider audience, enabling more people to discover the profound meaning behind her creations. Further supporting her work is her strong presence on social media platforms, offering people a look into the art of her work and providing an opportunity to connect with her as the artist behind the brand.
The creation of each piece involves a significant degree of collaboration between Cross and the client. Whether it is a piece made from a lock of hair, an item from a loved one, or a custom design based on a particular symbol, the process begins with a deep understanding of the client's needs and desires. The designer's personal touch is evident in her designs, which provides the personal element to the jewelry.
The significance of Margaret Cross's jewelry extends beyond the aesthetic. These pieces provide an outlet for those grieving, offering a tangible connection to the memories of loved ones. Her work allows people to hold onto their grief in a way that is both comforting and beautiful. It's a unique form of expression, allowing people to articulate their emotions through custom art. Her focus is to encourage people to consider the emotions of loss, the value of memory, and the strength found in continuing love.
Margaret Cross's journey and her resulting collections are a testament to the power of art to heal and transform. Her ability to weave personal stories into wearable art provides a unique and profoundly touching service. The jewelry from Love & Loss by Margaret Cross, along with the collections from Goldengrove Jewelry, is not merely an item of adornment, it is a meaningful symbol of remembrance. The work of Margaret Cross offers a glimpse into the beauty of grief, a reminder of the enduring power of memory, and a celebration of the human capacity for love.
