Description
Antique Jet Dangle Earrings circa 1870
These Victorian Whitby jet earrings are gorgeous
The beautifully hand carved jet baton hang below a round carved jet bead
These fabulous earrings look stunning when worn
- Earrings are 6 cm (2.5”) long from top of sheperd’s hook
- Jet is 3.5 mm (1 1/2″)
- Tests 9ct gold
- Period circa 1870
- In excellent original condition
- Total weight 8 grams
- They come in the presentation box illustrated
- Our ref: 2316
Jet is a black type of lignite, a kind of fossilised wood formed under intense heat and pressure. This jet-black gem was used in England as far back as the stone age when it was made into beads bracelet and earrings for personal adornment. The Romans when in England used jet for rings, hair embellishment, pendants and other forms of jewellery. Popular use of jet died out until the Victorian era, though it was still occasionally used. Jet was often used in mourning jewelry that was worn in remembrance of a dearly departed family member or friend. Queen Victoria wore a specific, fine-quality jet called Whitby jet as part of her mourning dress after Prince Albert’s passing. By far the most important location was Whitby situated on the coast of North Yorkshire, appropriately enough the setting for Bram Stoker’s Dracula. When the demand for this jet spiked, it resulted in the cliffside of Whitby, England to nearly collapse. Mining for this particular variety of jet became illegal in an attempt to preserve what was left of the cliffs. Today, jet is valued for its beautiful luster. Whitby jet was also used in a jewellery set for Queen Elizabeth II’s 80th birthday. Whitby jet takes on a high polish and is surprisingly light. It is carved into a large number of object of art and jewellery. These include necklaces, bracelets, earrings, rings and hair clips.
Care of your antique jet dangle earrings : Clean with soap, water and a soft brush.
