Today we’d like to introduce you to Kathryn Rivard and Elizabeth Conarroe.

Hi Kathryn and Elizabeth, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.

We’re two creative souls who found our true calling in the world of jewelry design. Both graduates of the Tyler School of Art in Philadelphia with BFAs in Jewelry and Metalsmithing, we share a deep love for history and antique jewelry. Though we graduated five years apart, fate brought us together in 2014 when we began a nine-year collaboration in the bridal jewelry industry.

Our journey took a deeply personal turn after the loss of our grandparents. Inspired by their memory, we designed our first mourning rings—pieces that allowed us to honor loved ones in a meaningful way. Driven by a desire to share this tradition with others, we took a leap of faith, left our employer, and set out to revive the beauty and sentiment of Victorian-era mourning jewelry.

This isn’t just our profession; it’s our passion. We’re honored to create timeless pieces that tell stories and preserve cherished memories.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?

Starting and running your own business is anything but easy. Every day brings new challenges and pushes you to develop skills you never thought you’d need. While it can be tough and, at times, frustrating, there’s nothing quite as rewarding as figuring things out on your own.

That said, having a partner by your side makes the journey so much better. We each bring our own unique strengths and talents to the table, and together, we’re able to tackle the ups and downs with a shared sense of purpose and determination. It’s the perfect balance of teamwork and creativity.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?

At Tempus Metals, we specialize in luxury custom cremation and memorial jewelry, thoughtfully designed for families who have lost loved ones.

Our pieces offer a refined alternative to what’s typically available, elevating the tradition beyond standard sterling silver pendants or stainless steel keychains. Each piece is fully customizable and can include cremated remains, or be personalized with names, birth dates, and passing dates—whether for a beloved person or a cherished pet.

We’re proud to revive the tradition of Victorian mourning jewelry, blending history with heartfelt modern craftsmanship. Building relationships with our clients is at the heart of what we do. We take the time to ask questions, listen to stories, and truly honor the memories behind each piece. It’s an emotional process for everyone involved—cathartic for our clients and deeply rewarding for us.

With a combined 25 years in the jewelry industry, we’re proud to bring expertise, quality, and care to every piece we create.

What do you like and dislike about the city?

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Pricing:

• Jewelry prices range from $900- $2800

Contact Info:

• Website: https://tempusmetals.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tempusmetals/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TempusMetals
• Other: https://www.pinterest.com/tempusmetals/?actingBusinessId=928445416838684489

Image Credits

Danielle Nowak