A wonderful Victorian carved Whitby jet brooch in a stylised snake/infinity love knot form. An ever popular jewelry motif during the Victorian era the snake represented eternity and everlasting love and snake designs were often incorporated into the Whitby jet jewellery that was favoured by well heeled ladies who wore it almost exclusively during their lengthy mourning periods.
This is an elegant and fairly large sized brooch beautifully carved with a glossy black high shine. Dimensional and egg shaped it features tactile sinuous curves that are open to the back and an engraved diamond snakeskin pattern along the center. The last 2 photos show 4 Whitby jet brooches (including this one) so you can see the interesting variety of brooch designs and sizes available at the time.
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. Although jet is found in several countries the jet found in Whitby is considered to be of the best quality in the world!
MATERIALS: Whitby jet
SIZE: 2-1/4" across, 1-1/2" high and 5/8" deep (approx. 55x38x22mm).
DATE: Mid-Victorian circa 1860
CONDITION: Excellent antique condition with no chips or cracks to the glossy black jet. The brass pin back is pegged into the jet and in perfect working order.
WEIGHT: 10 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 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!
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.
- Our photographs are taken in extreme close-up to show you every tiny detail. Any blemishes are greatly magnified and typically they aren’t noticeable to the naked eye. Reflections caused by our bright lighting can cast to dark spots and discoloured areas that don't exist in real life.
- We offer a free layaway plan on any item over £150. A 25% deposit will secure and reserve the item for you with the balance due in 60 days. If you would like to place an item on layaway, please send us a message and we will assist in setting this up for you.
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Materials: Whitby Jet.