Black Rosary Vertebrae - Amorini Relic Necklace
Black Rosary Vertebrae & Amorini Relic Necklace
A devotional relic steeped in shadowed romance and classical symbolism, this statement necklace weaves bone, glass, and antiquity into a striking wearable talisman.
This long, rosary-style necklace is composed of deep black Czech glass rondel beads, hand-linked in traditional rosary fashion.
Interspersed throughout are wire-wrapped snake vertebrae segments, accented with sparkling rhinestone spacer beads, ornate filigree spacers, and cool silver spacer beads that catch the light with subtle brilliance. The strands are joined by an ornate silver-plated Victorian connector, lending the piece an heirloom, old-world presence.
Suspended below, a mink atlas bone drop anchors the design—an anatomical relic symbolizing the bridge between mind and body, strength, and support. From this point descend two additional black rosary-beaded chains framing a central rosary strand. At their convergence hangs a Baroque-style plaque depicting Cupids’ Children (Amorini/Amoretti), figures long associated with playful love, desire, devotion, and the many faces of affection. Affixed atop the plaque is a tiny, real mouse skull, carefully resin-coated for preservation—an intimate memento mori reminding the wearer of life’s fragility, humility, and the quiet power of small creatures.
Symbolism
Black Czech glass beads: Protection, mystery, and spiritual depth
Snake vertebrae: Transformation, rebirth, and ancient wisdom
Pearlescent rhinestone accents: Light within darkness, hidden beauty
Mink atlas bone: Balance, resilience, and connection
Amorini plaque: Love in all its forms—innocent, mischievous, and enduring
Mouse skull: Mortality, resourcefulness, and reverence for the unseen
Designed to be worn long as a traditional rosary necklace, this piece also double wraps and connects at the top, allowing it to be styled closer to the body while maintaining its dramatic layered drop.
A one-of-a-kind relic necklace for collectors of curiosities, lovers of devotional aesthetics, and those drawn to symbolism where beauty and bone entwine.
