Whitby Jet Drop Earrings c1850

$3,850.00

The exquisite Mid Victorian Whitby Jet Drop Earrings c1850, are a beautiful example of the skill and craftsmanship of the era which they were made.

These Mid Victorian Whitby Jet Drop Earrings c1850 showcase the intricate beauty of Whitby jet, a fossilised wood found along the coast of Whitby in North Yorkshire, England.

Even before Queen Victoria popularised Jet, it had a high status as Mourning jewellery in the European royal courts. Since the death of Prince Albert in 1861, jet has been associated with the mourning jewellery worn by his devastated widow, Queen Victoria. Queen Victoria remained in mourning for the rest of her long life – which, in Victorian times, meant dressing only in black.

Jet – especially Whitby jet – with its dark intensity and lustrous finish, was an appropriate gemstone for this sad, subdued and reflective time. Nicknamed ‘black diamond’ for its high lustre, Whitby Jet is an organic gemstone created when wood is subjected to extreme pressure over millions of years. Creating this beautiful fossilised semi precious stone.

The ornate carving of the jet in these earrings is a testament to the skill and artistry of Victorian jewellers. The drop style of these earrings further highlights the fluidity of the design, with the carved jet pieces hanging gracefully and catching the light with every movement.

The dark, mysterious allure of Whitby jet made it a versatile material that could be worn both for its emotional significance and as a statement of refined taste.

Shop online or in store in Mooloolaba.
Sunshine Coast’s most exclusive antique & modern jewellery shop.

1 in stock

Product Enquiry

Whitby Jet Drop Earrings c1850
Whitby Jet Drop Earrings c1850
$3,850.00