Skull-tastic

Oct 31

Underworld glam

Skull symbols have been around for thousands of years. In jewelry, skulls were the most popular during the Middle Ages when they were often used in mourning jewelry, a style that memorializes loved ones lost. Skulls are often associated with groups considered more fringe, like punks and motorcycle gangs, dating to the Elizabethan Period when members of underworld societies wore skulls with missing jaws as proof of membership.

Fast forward to the current day when jewelers continue bringing them into the mainstream. Skulls appear in every form, from realistic cast pendants to bejeweled eye studs. One thing is for sure, skulls are a forever trend whether you lean towards girly or goth.

**Pink Sapphires**

Designer Melinda Risk designs dainty creations with hidden details—wearable art at its best. Each item is a unique treasure with a mish-mash of techniques and materials that Risk taught herself or amassed from others.
Melinda Risk 18k gold, sterling silver, pink pearl, and pink sapphire cone earrings, $2,010 at Oster Jewelers

**Snaggletooth**

Designer Polly Wales is known for her playful handcrafted confetti pieces with colorful scattered stones. Polly’s team has a collective goal “to champion jewelry as a way to channel creativity and maintain freedom.” That goal is accomplished in their signature bands and this cool skull ring.
Polly Wales 18k white gold and black sapphire “Snaggletooth” ring, $5,060 at Polly Wales

**Oxidized**

The Anthony Lent brand is designed by Tony Lent and focuses on sculptural pieces with a mix of mystical and dark aesthetics. His skulls are a recurring theme that can be worn any time of year with no fear.
Anthony Lent oxidized sterling silver and 18k gold skull pendant, $920 at Esqueleto

**Devotion**

A profound loss inspired Brooklyn-based designer Margaret Cross’s fine modern mourning jewelry. She creates handmade pieces for wearers to help keep a connection with someone they have lost, want to remember, and, ultimately, stay close to their hearts.
Margaret Cross sterling silver, enamel skull, and clear quartz “Devotion” ring, $350 at Fiat Lux SF

**Tahitian Pearl**

Rachel Quinn is best known for her covetable heart motifs, and on the opposite side are skulls. Rachel has combined her signature pretty with a tough aesthetic in this frightfully beautiful necklace.
Rachel Quinn sterling silver, 14k gold, sapphires, diamonds, and Tahitian pearl “Crowned Skull” necklace, $1,600 at Rachel Quinn

**Black Diamond**

New York designer Maria Tash is inspired by late ’70s, ‘80s, and ‘90s music and fashion. She took those times and helped to transform the piercing industry into a luxurious experience. This single skull is a great starting point for her Curated Ear® technique of combining studs and rings all over the ear for a thrilling aesthetic.
Maria Tash white gold and black diamond stud earring, $325 at Maria Tash

**Créoles Tête de Mort**

There is no category untouched by designer Lydia Courteille. The Paris-based designer’s background in the jewelry industry, from gemology to antique jewelry, was just the starting point for her ever-evolving creations. Her pieces are sure to spark extreme emotions (in a good way).
Lydia Courteille 18k white gold hoops with diamonds, Price Upon Request at Lydia Courteille

Editor: Samantha Durbin
Market Editor: Johannah Masters

Every item featured is personally selected by our writers and editors (read: we're totally into it). Please know that when you buy through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission (read: we get to keep doing what we love).