A Personal Guide To Choosing The Perfect Memento Mori Pendant For Men

by Nick Miller

Aug 13, 2024

The Memento Mori Pendant from Proclamation Jewelry is a profound reminder of the impermanence of life and the importance of living with purpose. In this guide, we'll help you choose the right size, karat, and customization options to ensure your Memento Mori Pendant perfectly fits your style and needs.

Understanding the Memento Mori Pendant

"Memento mori" is a Latin phrase that translates to "Remember that you must die."

It serves as a reminder of the inevitability of death and encourages people to reflect on their mortality. The concept has roots in ancient Roman philosophy and was later adopted by Christian teachings, particularly in the context of moral reflection and the transient nature of earthly life.

In art, literature, and philosophy, "memento mori" has been used to inspire humility, mindfulness, and a focus on living a meaningful life. It often appears in works that feature symbols of death, such as skulls, hourglasses, or wilting flowers, to emphasize the fleeting nature of human existence.

The phrase encourages individuals to live with an awareness of their mortality, and serves as a reminder to live each day with intention and purpose.

Choosing the Right Size

Consider the following factors when selecting the size of your Memento Mori Pendant:

Neck Size:

Small Neck (under 16 inches): Opt for a smaller pendant for a balanced look.
Average Neck (16-18 inches): A medium-sized pendant will provide a noticeable and versatile appearance.
Large Neck (over 18 inches): Choose a larger pendant to make a strong statement.

Personal Style:

Subtle Elegance: Select a smaller pendant for a more understated look.
Bold Statement: Choose a larger pendant to stand out and make an impact.

Occasion:

Daily Wear: A medium-sized pendant is versatile and suitable for everyday use.
Special Occasions: A larger pendant can make a memorable impression at special events.

Pro Tip: The majority of men of average height and stature choose 22” or 24”. Make sure to measure your neck and account for your height and stature to ensure the chain and pendant combo lays how you want on your chest.

Selecting the Right Karat

Gold purity affects the pendant’s appearance, durability, and price. Here are your options:

24K (100% Pure Gold):

Brightest color and most luxurious, but soft and prone to scratches. Ideal for special occasions.

18K (75% Gold):

Rich color with better durability. Suitable for regular wear while maintaining a luxurious appearance.

14K (58.3% Gold):

Balanced color, durability, and affordability. Perfect for everyday wear.

10K (41.7% Gold):

Most durable and affordable, with a lighter gold color. Great for heavy-duty wear.

Pro Tip: The most popular option is 14k or 18k to complement quality, color, and durability.

Customization Options

At Proclamation Jewelry, we offer several customization options to make your Memento Mori Pendant uniquely yours:

Engraving:

Add a personal message, initials, or a significant date to make your pendant special.

Gold Color:

Choose from yellow gold, white gold, or rose gold to match your personal style. Our most popular is yellow gold.

Chain Style and Length:

Select a chain that complements the pendant and suits your comfort and style preferences.

Pro Tip: We recommend the 4mm 14k Yellow Gold Diamond Cut Franco Chain.

Practical Tips for Choosing Your Pendant

Try Before You Buy:

If possible, try on different sizes to see what feels and looks best. We recommend measuring your neck to determine the right length of chain and coins to determine the right diameter of the pendant.

For example, you could use a half dollar, quarter, nickel, or dime to gauge the size that suits your height and stature the best.

Consider Your Wardrobe:

Think about how the pendant will complement your existing style and outfits. You’ll want to consider getting a pendant size and color that will best work with the majority of your wardrobe and how you plan to wear it.

Account for Daily Activities:

Choose a pendant size and karat that are practical for your daily activities and lifestyle. This is key to ensure you choose a pendant karat that will work best for how you plan to use the pendant.

For example, if you intend to routinely be in the gym, pool, outdoor sports, etc.(i.e. More rough and everyday use) and need something more durable, choose the 14k or 18k. However, if you only plan to wear it on special occasions as a statement piece and will keep it stored in a safe place, then perhaps you could do 24k.

It’s worth noting 14k and 18k are the most ideal for the majority of situations for men.

Conclusion

Choosing the right Memento Mori Pendant involves considering the size, karat, and customization options that best suit your personal style and needs.

By taking these factors into account, you can ensure that your pendant will be a cherished piece that enhances your look and serves as a daily reminder to live with intention and purpose.

You can learn more about our Memento Mori pendants at:

Gold Memento Mori With Diamonds: https://www.proclamationjewelry.com/products/memento-mori-gold-skull-pendant-with-diamonds

Gold Memento Mori: https://www.proclamationjewelry.com/products/memento-mori-gold-skull-pendant

Silver Memento Mori: https://www.proclamationjewelry.com/products/memento-mori-silver-skull-pendant