Whitby Jet is an intense hard black substance, closely allied
to coal, and very light in weight, and good for carving. It is the fossilised
wood of an ancient tree, similar to our present-day Araucaria or Monkey-puzzle
tree. These flourished in the Jurassic Period about 180 million years ago. When
the trees died, they fell into rivers, and were swept down into the sea, where
they lay on the Ocean floor for millions of years.
This occurred mainly on the East coast of England, and Whitby became the World
centre for Jet.
The Romans called Jet ‘Black Amber’.
When Prince Albert died in 1861, Queen Victoria entered a long period of
mourning, during which time only Carved Jet Jewellery was allowed to be worn in
Court. The people followed Court Fashion.
This did not mean that they wished to be dowdy. On the contrary, they were very
elegant and wore a great deal of Jewellery, which is available to you for
purchase, now!
CLICK ON A PICTURE TO ENLARGE
SPARKLING VICTORIAN
JET CARVED BROOCH
(Ref: 128)
A Carved Victorian Jet Brooch, set with sparkling French Jet.
It is Octagonal in shape, hand-carved and the Jet is pierced through,
with the centre inset with sparkling faceted French Jet pieces, arranged
in a circular pattern.
With the Original engraved pin at the back, it measures just less than
two inches across, and is in Excellent Condition.
It comes in a Beautiful, Quality Gift presentation Box, too.
BEAUTIFUL, ANTIQUE,
HAND-CARVED CAMEO JET SET
(Ref:129/133)
This Exquisite Jet Cameo Set consists
of a stunning Brooch and Earrings, with a Hand-carved shell Cameo in
each.
On gold wires, the superb Earrings feature a Cameo of a young woman set in
a smooth Jet frame.
They drop 48mm.
The Beautiful matching Brooch also has a hand-carved Cameo of a young
woman with hair ornamentation.
This is set in a pristine Jet frame which is carved and pierced
through.
It measures 2 inches by 1 ¾ inches. All in Excellent Condition.
BEAUTIFUL ANTIQUE JET
CAMEO
(Ref: 3381)
This Gorgeous Cameo Brooch has an
Exquisite carving of a young woman with Earrings and an Elaborate
ornamentation. Carved out of solid Jet, it has been perfectly done,
showing great craftsmanship.
The pin on the reverse has a locking catch for extra security, and is all
original.
In Excellent Condition, it measures over 2 inches by 1 ¾ inches.