Unique engagement rings always hold my fascination and these incredible creations from jewellery designer Julia deVille would not only make for an incredible engagement ring, but an heirloom piece that is passed down through the generations.

As a trained jeweler, Julia also has taxidermy mentorship- her pieces from her latest collection “Can The Voices Of The Living Be Heard By The Dead” (a line from one of Julia’s favourite Nick Cave songs). The collection echoes symbols seen in the Memento Mori jewellery of the 15th to 18th century (including the Renaissance, Baroque and Victorian eras).

The creations are designed to be asymmetrical and use not only diamonds (in colours like cognac and black as well as the more traditional white) but also precious gems like sapphires, emeralds, topaz, garnets, rubies and even lemon quartz.

The pieces using characteristics that from past eras, symbolise death. The wearer encouraged to face what fate has in store for them and embrace the present, rather than their own mortality and the tragedies life may bring.

A morbid take on an engagement ring? Perhaps. But living presently is something we all take for granted and for certain could do with more reminders – especially as you take the steps through an engagement.

“Can The Voices Of The Living Be Heard By The Dead” by Julia De Ville launched last month in Melbourne and is available at e.g.etal.