A beautiful genuine Whitby jet antique beaded Albertina pocket watch chain that is long enough to be worn doubled as a bracelet or a single strand short necklace. The beads are carved in the 'rose' pattern, a popular design with the Victorians and a particular speciality of the Whitby jet carvers.
The Albertina is the female version of the Albert pocket chain and these Whitby jet watch chains were very fashionable in the 19th century. The chain is composed of graduated carved rose beads and plain round ones. The end of the chain terminates in a drop and a lovely carved bell flower fob and it has a black enamel hook and dog clip fasteners.
The beads are in very, very good antique condition with a little minor chipping here and there as you would expect, please see photos for extreme close-ups. They are strung on double cord so are very secure and the cord shows no signs of deterioration with the clasps in good 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 Whitby, a seaside hamlet in England. Although Victorian jet gemstone jewellery is closely associated with mourning it was very fashionable jewellery in its own right and worn for every occasion including weddings. 19th century Whitby jet pattern books that survive show the incredible variety of styles that were available with most jet jewellery designs having some sentimental meaning whether it be affection, mourning or piety!
MATERIALS: Whitby jet
MEASUREMENTS: Chain 16" end to end (41cm), the drop is 3-1/2" (8cm), the flower measures 1-1/4x1" (3x2.5cm). Beads graduate from 13mm to 7mm diameter
DATE: Mid-Victorian, circa 1860
WEIGHT: 29 grams
Fabulous genuine Victorian Whitby jet jewel, desirable and highly collectible! Our shop is located in the in the historic heart of the Whitby jet jewelry industry and all our jet is sourced locally.
At Mercy Madge we offer distinctive and unique antique and vintage jewellery. Each piece is carefully hand selected by us, for you. We rarely come across two identical old treasures, once they are gone, they are truly gone!
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
- FREE DELIVERY on all orders worldwide. All orders are despatched next business day and sent with full tracking.
- RETURNS, you can return your item for a refund for any reason. Just get in touch within 3 days of receiving your order if you wish to do so.
- Unless otherwise stated any antique boxes in our photos are for display only and are not included in purchase. However, do rest assured all items will arrive gift wrapped in a custom Mercy Madge jewellery presentation box.
- Our photographs are taken with a magnified macro lens to show you every tiny detail, flaws are exaggerated and aren't as noticeable to the naked eye, similarly shadows caused by studio lighting can give rise to discoloured areas that don't exist.
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Materials: Whitby Jet.