Spooky season is upon us – and it’s maybe our favorite time of year. If darker nights have you feeling witchy and whimsical, let’s help you embrace a more wicked look.
Halloween-inspired jewelry gives us space to play with these shadowy fascinations, transforming our homes and adorning ourselves with gothic charms, pendants that feel more like talismans than jewelry, and celestial pieces plucked from dreamlike realms. Whether you’re playing dress up for Halloween parties or simply looking for new self-expression, this season is a time to embrace the unexpected, the unusual, and the unknown.
At ESQUELETO, many of the local artists and fine jewelers we work with embrace spooky themes and symbols to create elegant fine jewelry with an edge. By repurposing antique stone and diamonds and using recycled materials, many of these handmade pieces come with a story – some spookier than others.
Discover unique handmade jewelry for Halloween and the darker nights ahead with our spooky collection, now curated online here.
1. DARK CREATURES: SNAKE AND BAT JEWELRY
When it comes to the macabre, there’s no better symbol than the bat. Rooted in Celtic lore and connected to seasonal rituals, bats were often believed to be mischievous spirits that came out of the dark to taunt us.
Vampires or devils are never without their bat companions, and if you also feel a mischievous kinship to these winged creatures, we love the Baby Bat necklace by Anthony Lent, fashioned intricately with 18k gold.
Another creature for the Halloween season is the snake. An ancient mythological symbol, the snake has been seen as everything from a divine protector and emblem of power, to a sinister friend of the underworld. From Cleopatra to Queen Victoria, snake jewelry has never lost its ability to charm us.
The ouroboros, a snake eating its own tail, is a symbol for the infinite cycle of life and death. Anthony Lent creates an elegant version with the Gold Ouroboros Snake ring. If you prefer a more traditional snake, his Gold Serpent ring curls beautifully around the finger and stacks neatly with other rings.
The Double Headed Moonstone ring by Anthony Lent is another striking piece that celebrates the snake while feeling like a portal to another realm.
2. MEMENTO MORI: SKULL JEWELRY
During the Renaissance, skulls were connected to the Latin phrase memento mori ("remember you must die"). Wearing a skull was a poignant, even ironic reminder, that wealth and earthly pleasures are fleeting. Often associated with bikers, punk movements, or Alexander McQueen (circa 2003), these badass symbols bring a bold “don’t mess with me” attitude to any outfit or costume.
Wearing a skull is a powerful statement, whether you wear yours as a protective talisman during eerie seasons, in memory of a loved one, or to reflect on cycles of life.
An elegant memento for everyday wear, Erica Molinari’s Enamel Skull Charm is a striking pendant that weaves together a gothic, vintage look with spooky symbolism.
Wear your memento mori close to the heart with Anthony Lent’s Black Skull Pendant, or adorn your hands with his iconic mixed metal Black Skull ring in small or large.
For a gothic-inspired stack, we love stacking his Skull Eternity ring with handmade gold bands and diamond rings.
For an edgy addition to your decor, there’s no better home for your fall mums or creepy cactus than the Skulls Planter by PiedraFuego, which is handmade in Guadalajara with a hand rendered skull relief pattern.
3. DARK WHIMSY: GOTHIC JEWELRY
If you’re tapping into your inner witchy ways this season, express it on the outside with dark, whimsical jewelry, also known as Gothic jewelry. Defined by silver tones, dark stones, and macabre elements, Gothic jewelry can be anything from antique heirlooms to handmade artistic pieces with spooky, unconventional motifs.
If you’re shopping for real antiques to enhance your look, search for pieces that combine moody stones with mixed metals. A distinct antique that captures that essence from our collection is this Portuguese Chrysolite Cluster ring, which dates back to the 1800s.
There’s nothing like a true antique to harness dark mystery and magic. Click here to explore Gothic-style antique rings and necklaces from our collection.
Many artists from our community are inspired by antiques. Grainne Morton in particular has a stunning Victorian collection. Pieces like the Five Charm Black & White Victorian Drop earrings feel like a wearable cabinet of curiosities.
For a Gothic, nearly grunge look, we love how the Floral Cluster studs from TAP by Todd Pownell have a dark, antique-like finish. In his classic mixed metal style, we also love how the Large Diamond Cluster hoops mix sparkling diamonds with darkened gold.
For a modern Frankenstein aesthetic, we love the Silver Spikey Link necklace by TENTHOUSANDTHINGS. To take the look further, pair it with a sculptural piece like the Stingray Goddess necklace by Lauren Wolf.
The dagger was also a popular Gothic symbol, representing power and protection. For a classic take, we love the Baby Dagger earrings by DRU. For something more animalistic, we adore the Silver Seashell Spike earrings by Lauren Wolf.
CUSTOMIZE YOUR OWN SPOOKY JEWELRY
Do you have a mysterious piece of jewelry that needs a rebirth? We often work with clients who want to repurpose antique diamonds or rework an heirloom that’s been passed down. Whether it’s a special stone or an outdated piece of jewelry, we’d love to work with you to create something magical.
Contact our team if you have jewelry or stones you want reimagined.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How do you style gothic jewelry for everyday wear?
Gothic jewelry is beautifully versatile. We love layering delicate silver chains with more sculptural pieces, pairing subtle with strong symbols. For many people across cultures, skulls, serpents and notes of the macabre are part of a daily look. Play with mixed metals, add moody gemstones alongside sparkly diamonds, and most of all, have fun expressing your darker side!
What is memento mori jewelry, and what does it symbolize?
Memento mori jewelry connects to life’s impermanence and can be a potent reminder to live life to the fullest everyday. Memento mori jewelry can include skulls, skeletons, hourglasses, and anything that causes you to reflect on mortality. Popular in antique and Victorian-inspired jewelry, memento mori designs often combine macabre imagery with intricate metalwork and symbolic gemstones.
What is handmade jewelry, and why choose locally made pieces?
At ESQUELETO, we are proud to represent artists who craft handmade jewelry using traditional techniques, specialized tools, and careful attention to detail. Often these pieces feature recycled materials, ethically sourced stones, fair mined gold, and repurposed antique diamonds, making each piece of jewelry one of a kind.
Choosing locally made and sustainable jewelry supports independent artists and creative communities who are building stronger relationships in the jewelry industry.
How do I care for antique Victorian and Edwardian rings?
Depending on the specific age and setting style of your ring, it’s best to avoid harsh chemicals, ultrasonic cleaners, and abrasive polishing. Clean instead with a soft cloth and warm soapy water. To prolong their beauty, store your rings separately in a dry, lined jewelry box and take them to a professional often to be checked or deeply cleaned.