Antique Victorian Whitby Jet Drop Earrings - Carved Bead - Mourning Jewellery - Late 19th Century - B2218

Summary

A pair of late Victorian Whitby jet drop earrings, each with a polished bead and a carved bead drop - mourning jewellery from the end of the 19th century, in good order for their age.

Description

Whitby jet - fossilised wood from the cliffs around Whitby on the North Yorkshire coast - was the material of choice for Victorian mourning jewellery from the 1840s onward, its deep black and warm, lightweight quality making it well suited to pieces intended to be worn close to the body over extended periods of grief. These earrings are typical of the form produced in the latter part of the century: a polished round bead at the top, with a carved bead suspended below on a short drop.

The carving to the lower bead is worked in a repeating pattern. The ear wires appear to be brass; traces of black enamel remain to the end pins, though the enamel to the connecting loops has worn away over the years. There are no maker's details, which is standard for Whitby jet pieces of this type and period.

Condition

Generally good for period. Some minor losses to the carved detail on the lower beads - not noticeable in normal wear given the pattern. Wear to the black enamel on the wire connecting loops, with more enamel remaining to the end pins.

Approximate Measurements

• Drop length: 25mm [1in]
• Maximum width: 11.62mm [0.5in]
• Weight: 4.05g (before packing, earrings only)
• Material: Whitby jet, brass

Stock Code: B2218 FB25-2

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