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!
A Rare and Beautifully Hand-Carved,
Quality, Victorian Cameo stretch Bracelet in Whitby Jet, c. 1860.
The Cameo is carved with great skill and craftsmanship. The young
woman’s classical features are finely carved and her hair is
ornamented with (vine) leaves.
It is set in a hand engraved Whitby Jet frame. It measures 42mm., by
38mm.
The Bracelet is composed of rectangular pieces of Whitby Jet, threaded
through with elastic. This makes it possible to fit most wrist sizes.
This Gorgeous Bracelet is in Excellent Condition, and has to be Unique.
It comes in a Beautiful Quality, Gold-tooled Leather Gift Box, too.
FINE VICTORIAN JET CAMEO BROOCH
(Ref:3375)
This brooch is very finely and intricately made. Jet
became very popular when Queen Victoria lost her husband, Albert,whom she revered, in 1861. (see text above).
She went into mourning for the rest of
her life. During this time, the popularity of Jet grew and became very
fashionable – not just for mourning.
This is a perfect example of a
clean, intricately carved Jet brooch.
It is very collectible, and in excellent
condition. It measures 47mm x 43mm.
It comes in a Beautiful, Quality Gift presentation box, too.
A Rare and Beautiful Victorian
stretch Bracelet consisting of carved Whitby Jet, c. 1870.
The centrepiece of the Bracelet is a deep carving of a flower surrounded
by leaves.
This hand-carving was done with great skill and craftsmanship.
The rest of the bracelet consists of seven (Lucky) graduated
‘plaques’ of smooth and polished Whitby Jet. These are protected by
six pairs of Whitby Jet beads.
This Superb stretch Bracelet is in Excellent Condition, and should fit
all wrists.
A Good Investment, it comes in a Beautiful Quality, Gold-tooled Leather
Gift Box, too.
This Beautiful Brooch is
made entirely of Mid-Victorian Hand-Carved Whitby Jet.
The Brooch is deeply carved with leaves and flower blooms – in great
detail.
This is framed in an Octagonal Hand-carved millepoint frame.
It is in excellent condition, with original ‘c’ clasp at theback, and measures 2 ¼ inches by 1 ¾ inches.
In excellent condition.
It comes in a Beautiful, Quality Gift presentation box, too.
BEAUTIFUL
VICTORIAN FRENCH JET BROOCH
(Ref: 607)
A Very Attractive Victorian French Jet Brooch!
It consists of a perfectly smooth surface which is attractively cut and
shaped.
The rounded silhouette is complimented by golden leaf ‘fingers’
which set the Jet in place.
On original Victorian ‘c’ clasp and pin, this Lovely, Unique Brooch
is in Excellent Condition.
It measures just under two inches across by just over 1 ½ inches down.
It comes in a Beautiful, Quality Gift presentation box, too.
IMPRESSIVE FRENCH JET
STRETCH CUFF BRACELET
(Ref:4460).
An Eye-catching and Attractive
stretch Bracelet consisting of faceted French Jet.
There are circular pieces, oval pieces and octagonal pieces, graduated
in size.
Each piece is faceted and shimmers with reflected light.
Each is mounted in a rubover setting for maximum comfort when wearing.
The Bracelet stretches and slips over the wrist for simplicity in
putting on and taking off, so should fit all sizes of wrist.
This Impressive Bracelet is in Excellent Condition.
It comes in a Beautiful Quality, Gold-tooled Leather Gift Box, too.
BEAUTIFUL
ANTIQUE JET CAMEO BROOCH
(Ref: 3377)
An
Impressive Antique cameo in Hand-carved Jet!
The theme is a young woman, Greek or Roman. The detail is amazing.
All the curls in her hair are clearly carved. She has a hair ornament,
(which is engraved) and a head scarf.
She has very fine features, and is clearly an important woman –Goddess?
The frame is perfectly bevelled, and the pin and catch at the rear are
original, and Excellent Condition – as is
the whole Brooch.
It measures nearly 2 inches by 1 ¾ inches, and it comes in a beautiful
gold-tooled leather presentation box, too.