Large Victorian Carved Whitby Jet Gold Earrings

Impressively large shining Victorian jet teardrops with their original carved-flower tops and nine-carat gold fittings.

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 and was popularised by Queen Victoria, who wore only black mourning jewellery following the death of her beloved husband Prince Albert in 1861. It was an expensive material as it was both limited in supply and requiring skilled craftsmanship to carve without breaking.

• Condition: In very good antique condition with no chips or cracks found in the jet. There's some evidence at the back that the wires have replaced older fittings, likely screw backs. See photos.

• Fixing: Integral nine-carat (375) gold wires (tested).

• Hallmarks/stamps: None.

• Era: Victorian (c.late 1800s).

• Size: 7cm total drop from the top of the ear wires x 8mm.

• Weight: 5.6g.

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IMPORTANT! All items are vintage or antique and as such show light general wear appropriate to their age. Bear in mind photos are very magnified and flaws which can be seen in the pictures are often imperceptible to the naked eye in real life. I always do my very best to point out any additional flaws, but please look carefully at all the photos as they are an important part of the listing and do ask if you have any questions!

FREE INTERNATIONAL SHIPPING! Items to UK addresses are sent via Royal Mail Special Delivery or Tracked 48, and overseas items are shipped with a tracked and signed service where available.

US-BASED BUYERS Please advise before paying if your shipping address is in the US - some (though not all) orders may incur additional taxes because of the new US tariffs but I will always do my best to minimise extra costs for you!

EASY RETURNS Any item can be returned within 14 days for a full refund. Items must be returned in the same condition they were sent out and unless an item is faulty postage will be deducted, alongside any costs (bank charges etc) which may have been incurred. If in doubt, do please ask!

PACKAGING All earrings come tissue wrapped and packaged in a new luxury box, antique boxes are for display only, unless otherwise stated in the description.