Mourning : each piece in this collection was created as a comforting symbol of remembrance for those who have lost a loved one.

These pieces are inspired by ancient mourning jewelry traditionally worn to commemorate the life of a deceased loved one. It is no longer a custom to mourn our dead publicly. It can feel like we are expected not to allow loss to disrupt our lives and productivity in the workplace. But, there is a reason for the mourning customs and rituals of our ancestors. They connected us to each other and helped us process grief and the human experience together. This made us stronger and more resilient. It bonded us to each other. It reminded us of our loved ones and a life lived.

In making this collection I am not trying to glorify the past, but instead hoping to continue traditions that rooted us and supported us as a people and community.

These modern pieces are handmade with copper and sterling silver using traditional metalsmithing techniques. Ranging from bolo ties to earrings to bangles, each piece is unique.

The oxidized copper bolo ties each have a hand painted flower on a glass tile. Each flower tile has a matching “twin” tile of opposite color and orientation. When the collection is complete and all pieces have been claimed, part of the beauty of this project is that two people (possibly strangers to each other) will wear their pieces and be connected. Adding that additional layer as a comfort.

Each pair of earrings is adorned with dangling copper and sterling silver pieces that create a quiet chime when worn to uplift the spirit

The stones used are rough Whitby jet and polished Chinese jet. Jet is a semiprecious gemstone made from fossilized trees and plants that has been used in mourning jewelry since the 1600s and centuries before that in ancient rituals. It has a grounding, protective, and balancing energy, ideal for those who are feeling fragile and out of sorts.

Each piece in this collection is handmade by Kimberly Vorperian and one-of-a-kind. Each piece is packaged in a black cardboard gift box with a small info card about the inspiration for the collection.

The Joy and Mourning Collection is part of a larger art installation I am working on and hope to bring to fruition in the years to come.