Victorian Whitby Jet Bead Necklace with 9ct Gold Clasp

Name: Victorian Whitby Jet Bead Necklace with 9ct Gold Clasp
Brand: Antique
SKU: SA1105845
Availability: SoldOut

19th century

Sold by Corvidae Antique

Description

A beautiful string of glossy black Victorian jet beads with a nine-carat gold clasp.

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.

Jet was popularised by Queen Victoria, who wore only black mourning jewellery following the death of her beloved husband Prince Albert in 1861. Jet was expensive - both limited in supply and requiring skilled craftsmanship to carve without breaking - and popular cheaper alternatives included gutta percha, vulcanite and bog oak, as well as onyx.

The necklace closes with a substantial nine-carat gold springring clasp in good working order.

One bead has a chipped edge (see photos) but the necklace is otherwise in excellent antique condition, with no other chips or cracks we've found.

Length: Approximately 29 inches.

Size: The beads range in size from approx 1cm to 1.5cm.

Weight: 58.8g.

Physical Dimensions

Width

74cm (29.13")

Declaration

Corvidae Antique has dated this piece to the Victorian era.

Reference Numbers

Sellingantiques Reference

SA1105845

Dealers Notes

Antique and vintage boxes photographed are for display only and are not included unless stated in the description.

Please be sure to examine all the photos carefully as they form part of the description, and do feel free to ask if you have any questions, we’re always happy to help where we can!

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Description

A beautiful string of glossy black Victorian jet beads with a nine-carat gold clasp.

“

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.

Corvidae Antique

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.

fig 1. Victorian Whitby Jet Bead Necklace with 9CT Gold Clasp — fig 1. Victorian Whitby Jet Bead Necklace with 9ct Gold Clasp

Jet was popularised by Queen Victoria, who wore only black mourning jewellery following the death of her beloved husband Prince Albert in 1861. Jet was expensive - both limited in supply and requiring skilled craftsmanship to carve without breaking - and popular cheaper alternatives included gutta percha, vulcanite and bog oak, as well as onyx.