Circa 1860, so hailing from the Mid-Victorian "Grand Period" of jewellery style this very large Whitby Jet pendant cross necklace is the ultimate mourning piece. Ostentatiously oversized jewellery like this were perfectly suited to the wide crinoline gowns worn in the mid 19th century.
This wonderfully gothic necklace would have been the height of fashion at that time and it is just as impressive today. The pendant part is all carved out of Whitby Jet including the large decorative bales and big half bead at the top. The small bales connected to the side of the bead and at the one pegged into the top of the cross are black oxidised metal.
The cross is carved from very thick Jet so it has a fabulous boxy profile with lots of dimension. The elegant long beaded chain connected to the pendant is composed of black bog oak (petrified wood) oval shaped beads with brass links. The beads have a satin lustre that complements the glossy black jet beautifully.
A fabulous top quality piece of antique Whitby Jet jewellery and rare to find in this condition. Not to be confused with French jet, which is glass, Whitby Jet is a fossilized mineral gemstone millions of years old. It is lightweight and warm to the touch, the Jet that was mined in and around the English seaside hamlet of Whitby is considered to be the finest quality in the world.
A magnificent Victorian necklace and highly collectable! We have more photos of this piece on our website at www.mercymadge.com
GEMSTONE: Whitby Jet
MEASUREMENTS: the Jet pendant measures 4-1/2" (11.5cm) top to bottom, the cross section measures 2-3/4" (7cm) tall, 1-3/4" (4.5cm) wide and 5/8" (1.5cm) thick. The large Jet bead at the top is 29mm diameter. The necklace chain is 30" (76cm) long with the Bog Oak beads measuring 8x6mm
WEIGHT: 38.2 grams
DATE: Victorian, circa 1860
CONDITION: in excellent antique condition in keeping with age, there are few tiny nibbles to the very edges of the Jet but no cracks or chips. The chain links have a lovely dark antique patina and the beads are all securely connected. Please refer to the photos
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!
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Materials: Whitby Jet Cross, Bog Oak Bead Chain.