Circa 1850 this fabulous Whitby Jet gemstone brooch is in the form of a pineapple. Generously sized in an oval shape with a high domed profile it is deeply hand carved in a cross hatched pattern and polished to a glossy sheen. A brass fitting at the back with a sturdy pin stem and c-clasp completes this wonderful example of good Victorian Whitby Jet jewellery.
In the 18th and 19th century Britain pineapples were very expensive and relatively rare so they became a symbol of wealth. Rather than being eaten they were mainly used for display and were used again and again, even being hired out, until they began to rot! Not surprisingly they became a popular jewellery motif.
The last 3 photos show the impressive variety and sizes of carved Jet brooch designs available in the Victorian era.
MATERIALS: brass
GEMSTONE: Whitby Jet
DIMENSIONS: 1-3/4 x 1-1/4" (4.5x3.5cm), 16mm deep, weight 14.7 grams
DATE: circa 1850, Victorian
CONDITION: In very, very good condition with light wear commensurate with age. There are a couple of chips to the jet at the back of the brooch which aren't visible when worn. The pin back is in perfect working order.
Not to be confused with French Jet, which is glass, Whitby Jet is a fossilized mineral gemstone millions of years old that is only found in and around the cliffs at Whitby, a seaside hamlet in England and Whitby jet is considered to be the best quality jet found anywhere in the world. It is closely associated with Victorian and Georgian mourning, so strict was etiquette that upon the death of King George VI in 1830 the government issued a decree that proclaimed "the only ornamentation that shall be worn shall be of jet"
At Mercy Madge we offer antique and vintage jewellery that is special and each piece is hand selected by us for you. We rarely come across two identical old treasures, once they are gone, they are truly gone!
At Mercy Madge we offer quality antique and vintage jewellery sourced in Great Britain. All of our pieces are professionally cleaned and polished so they are ready to wear or give as a gift. We offer free worldwide shipping and a no quibble money back guarantee.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
FREE WORLDWIDE SHIPPING – orders are dispatched next business day and sent tracked and insured
RETURNS - you can return your item for a full refund for any reason. Just get in touch within 3 days of receiving your order and return it within 7 days.
DISCOUNT? - find special discount and no sales tax on our website at www.mercymadge.com
BUYING A GIFT? – your item will arrive gift wrapped in a custom Mercy Madge jewellery box. Unless otherwise stated antique boxes in our photos are for display and are not included in purchase.
FOLLOW US for our latest antique and vintage jewellery:
Instagram: @mercymadge
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mercymadge
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/MercyMadge
Twitter: https://twitter.com/MercyMadge
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.co.uk/Mercymadge
Read our blog at https://mercymadge.com/blogs/blog
Materials: Whitby Jet, Brass.