Antique Whitby Jet Mourning Necklace - Carved Teardrop & Spiral Beads with French Jet Spacers - Victorian - B2222

Summary

A late Victorian Whitby jet mourning necklace strung with hand-carved teardrop and spiral beads, with faceted French jet glass spacers flanking the spring ring clasp, circa 1900.

Description

The necklace combines two distinct bead forms: hand-carved teardrops and spiral-turned beads in Whitby jet. The slight variation in size and shape between beads is inherent to hand production - each carved individually rather than machine-turned to uniformity. Flanking the spring ring clasp, a run of round faceted beads in French jet (black glass) provides a subtle tonal contrast, a common period practice that mixed materials without compromising the overall mourning aesthetic.

Whitby jet necklaces of this form were produced during the late Victorian period, when mourning dress codes - formalised in part by Queen Victoria's own decades-long observance following Prince Albert's death in 1861 - created sustained demand for jet jewellery from the Yorkshire coast. By c.1900 the strictest conventions were relaxing, but jet remained fashionable as both mourning wear and general dress jewellery.

Condition

Generally very good for period. Some very slight nicks to bead edges, consistent with age and wear. Spring ring clasp working correctly.

Approximate Measurements

• Length: 50cm [19.75in]
• Largest bead width: 16.3mm [0.64in]
• Material: Whitby jet / French jet (glass)
• Weight: 40 grams

Stock Code: B2222 FB25-2

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