Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Kathryn Rivard Elizabeth Conarroe. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Kathryn Rivard, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today It’s always helpful to hear about times when someone’s had to take a risk – how did they think through the decision, why did they take the risk, and what ended up happening. We’d love to hear about a risk you’ve taken.

Like many of you out there, we took a leap of faith and quit our jobs with a steady income and benefits to open our own business. When you start a business, you need to be slightly delusional and set aside the rational portion of your brain. Every day presents new challenges and you wear many hats, but when you learn something new, or overcome a new hurdle, nothing is more gratifying. Did we know we could build a website? Hell no! Did we think we had accounting abilities? Absolutely not! Math is not our strong suit. But we work together, we scream, and we figure things out eventually.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

We are creative souls who found our calling in the world of jewelry design.  We both graduated from the Tyler School of Art in Philadelphia and earned our BFAs in Jewelry and Metalsmithing.  Our education reinforced our passion for history and antique jewelry.  We started working together in 2014 in the custom design center of a retail jewelry store.  There, we manufactured one-of-a-kind bridal and high-end fashion pieces using CAD software and 3D printing.   

Following the loss of our grandparents, we were inspired to create jewelry that honored our loved one’s memory.  This led to the creation of our first Victorian-inspired mourning rings.  Compelled to share these designs with others, we started Tempus Metals, offering a modern version of traditional memorial jewelry. 

Mourning jewelry has a long history but reached its peak popularity during the 19th century when Queen Victoria lost her beloved husband, Prince Albert.  Traditionally, when someone died, jewelry was made in their honor, and worn by their relatives and loved ones.  These pieces usually featured the deceased name, birth, and passing dates, or common phrases, such as: “In Memory Of”, or “Not Lost, But Gone Before”.   Common materials included jet, onyx, woven hair, and enamel. Our goal at Tempus Metals is to revive this historic art form.  We use traditional methods and materials, such as gold and hot glass enamel, and our entire line is personalized.

Unlike most memorial jewelry found online or through funeral homes, which is generic and mass-produced, every piece from Tempus Metals is custom-made from precious metals, and made to last generations.
Our jewelry not only supports clients through the grieving process but also allows them to keep their loved ones close. By wearing a piece that features their loved one’s name or incorporates cremated remains, they can cherish happy memories and feel a sense of connection every time they glance at it.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

We feel incredibly fortunate to have a platform for our creativity, allowing us to create jewelry that carries deep significance for our clients. We’re genuinely touched by the graciousness of those who share their loved ones’ stories with us, and we cherish every one of them. While our work often brings tears, nothing compares to the fulfillment we feel when delivering a finished piece and hearing how cathartic and meaningful it is for our clients. This experience truly deepens our appreciation for health, family, and friends.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

Our goal is to revitalize the tradition of mourning jewelry for the 21st century. Rather than viewing it as something somber or unsettling, we believe it’s a beautiful way to honor and celebrate a life well-lived. Our jewelry serves as a heartfelt tribute, allowing individuals to carry the memory of their loved ones with grace and positivity.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.tempusmetals.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tempusmetals/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TempusMetals

Image Credits

Martin Buday

Morgan Smith

Danielle Nowak