Large Victorian Whitby Jet Double Sided Cameo Pendant

No well-to-do Victorian lady's wardrobe was complete without some type of cameo, an accessory which was popularised when wealthy English people brought them home from Italy as souvenirs of their "Grand Tour", particularly once they became a staple of Queen Victoria's dress.

This is an impressive example of a 19th century jet cameo depicting a lady with beautifully carved hair entwined with flowers. The hand carving is so nicely done, executed with real elegance and still lovely and crisp. The back of the cameo is set with a Classical-style male portrait in black glass - perhaps a husband or lover?

Jet is a type of coal, made from driftwood which sinks to the floor of the sea and becomes slowly buried in mud, hardening over millions of years. Victorian jet, now extremely collectible, largely comes from the English seaside town of Whitby - not to be confused with "French jet", which is actually black glass.

Condition: There are a few minor chips (one top-left edge, one to her nose, a couple beneath the male cameo) but the piece is generally in very good condition, please see photos. The bail at the top would have been painted black where the brass is now showing; we have hung the pendant on a grosgrain ribbon, ready to wear, and this covers the brass if you choose to wear it.

Size: Approximately 5 x 4cm, just over 3cm deep.

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