A skull with outstretched wings, popular among 17th-century Puritan stonecarvers, adorns a simple, rounded band.

Cast in oxidized, nickel-free sterling silver.

Skull measures 1/4" wide by 5/16" high.

Available in US sizes 3-13 (including half sizes)*

Last photo shows mini Taphopile ring (top) with standard Taphophile ring (bottom) for scale.

Each piece is made to order, so please allow 2-3 weeks for shipment.

All items will be shipped via USPS Priority, which comes with a tracking number and shipping insurance. Priority mail generally takes between 1-5 business days to arrive once shipped.

*A note on ring sizing: The best way to determine your ring size is to visit a jeweler and either measure your finger with a set of metal sizers, or bring a ring that fits well and have them measure it for you on a mandrel. Measuring with paper or string is not recommended as these methods tend to be inaccurate. Rings can be resized for a flat service/shipping fee of $15.

Kate Hockstein moved to New York City in 2006 to pursue an M.A. in art history, having studied illustration, painting, and printmaking since the mid-90s. In 2014, she discovered the art of ancient Etruscan goldsmithing and has since been almost exclusively focused on jewelry design. She launched her jewelry line Arcana Obscura in 2015.

Kate approaches her work from a sculptural perspective and draws deeply from her love of nature, folk art, and the eldritch and macabre. Her lifelong affinity for old cemeteries and Victorian mourning jewelry are recurring themes throughout her designs, which are cast in solid sterling silver and gold.

Kate works out of her home studio in New York City.