A reliquary is defined as a receptacle to
contain a relic of a saint, sacred object, or something
treasured. As such, reliquaries provide us with a very special
way to maintain a tangible link to that which is important to
us.
Animals hold a special place in our
lives—as beloved friend, family member and, sometimes
even, teacher. When a pet dies, a reliquary allows us to
keep their memory alive and close.
The permanently sealed reliquary lockets I
create are designed to hold a small memento of your pet:
ashes, hair, a feather, whisker, or photo, in honor of
the important relationship you had. In this way, they are
present even in their absence.
*
In memory of Ms. Moppet
In 1991, my cat of 23 years, Ms. Moppet,
passed away. Moppet and I had grown up together and it
was a very difficult transition. I wanted something that
would remind me of the valuable things she had taught me, and
of what it felt like to be loved by her. When I received
her ashes it was clear how utterly important they were to me as
a way of preserving that vital connection.
Jewelry is an art form that has an ancient
tradition of embodying and expressing love and intimacy between
people. The reliquaries I design apply that principle to
our love for our animals.
As a metalsmith, I became interested in
the historical form of reliquaries as a way for me, through my
art, to preserve Moppet’s memory, form, teachings, and
ashes. My own reliquary in memory of Ms. Moppet was the
beginning. Since them I have designed reliquaries for
others who wish to honor similar relationships.
*
Ms. Moppet