Showing 13–22 of 22 results
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Jet Cameo Brooch ‘Lady with Tiara & Scarf’
$275.00This antique mourning brooch is a distinctive example of Victorian craftsmanship. Hand carved from genuine Jet, its ornate portrait cameo highlights the period's refined artistry and represents the era's reverence for personal mementoes. Jet is fossilised Araucaria wood from the Jurassic period, dating approximately 150 to 180 million years ago. Valued for its lustrous black hue and rarity, Jet gained prominence in Victorian Britain, when black jewellery became fashionable beyond mourning, serving as mementoes of affection, loss, and remembrance alongside Jet, bog oak, vulcanite, and pressed horn. Victorian cameos, such as the one on this brooch, were intricately carved to depict meaningful figures or motifs and believed to offer protection and good luck. This antique not only showcases period artistry but also connects us to the emotional traditions of Victorian society. Specifications Description: Whitby Jet Condition: Original, good, imperfections include, one crack on the front, one chip at the back (not visible from the front), and a few chips along the inner cameo base Colour: Lustrous black Closure Type: C-clasp Period: Victorian era (1837-1901), late 19th century Dimensions: H5.3cm x W4.4cm x D2.2cm, approximately PLEASE NOTE Our antique and vintage collections are second-hand items. Customers are not purchasing 'new', 'perfect' or 'unworn items', and as such, should expect wear and imperfections. It is expected that these pieces will show normal wear and tear, given their age. Wear could include patina, scuffs, and light scratches or chips. Images are of actual items. Please review the photos carefully before purchasing and reach out if you have any questions.
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Jet Brooch ‘Maple Leaf’
$295.00The main allure of this exquisite brooch is its delicately hand-carved maple leaf. The leaf shimmers with the deep lustre of genuine jet, and hails from the nineteenth century (1860–1880). It captures the essence of floriography, the Victorian-era system for conveying messages through floral imagery. Jet is the fossilised wood of Araucaria araucana (Monkey Puzzle) and related species, which thrived during the Jurassic period, approximately 150 to 180 million years ago. Valued for its deep, lustrous black colour and exceptional rarity, Jet gained prominence in the Victorian era (1860–1890). During this time, black jewellery evolved beyond mourning adornment to represent a sophisticated symbol of style. Items made from Jet, bog oak, vulcanite, or pressed horn frequently held significant personal meaning, functioning as mementoes of affection, loss, and remembrance. The maple leaf symbolises strength, endurance, and good fortune, and has traditionally been regarded as a talisman associated with balance, growth, and resilience. Specifications Description: Whitby Jet Condition: Original, very good, with only a few minor edge imperfections. Colour: Lustrous black Closure Type: C-Clasp Period: Victorian era (1837-1901), late 19th century Dimensions: H4.6cm x W3.2cm x D1cm, approximately PLEASE NOTE Our antique and vintage collections are second-hand items. Customers are not purchasing 'new', 'perfect' or 'unworn items', and as such, should expect wear and imperfections. It is expected that these pieces will show normal wear and tear, given their age. Wear could include patina, scuffs, and light scratches or chips. Images are of actual items. Please review the photos carefully before purchasing and reach out if you have any questions.
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Jet Brooch ‘Grape Leaf’
$225.00This lovely brooch, featuring a grape leaf, is hand-carved from genuine Jet and dates to the nineteenth century (1860–1880). It embodies the art of floriography, a coded system for conveying messages through floral imagery developed during the Victorian era. Jet is the fossilised wood of Araucaria araucana (Monkey Puzzle) and related species, which thrived during the Jurassic period, approximately 150 to 180 million years ago. Valued for its deep, lustrous black colour and exceptional rarity, Jet gained prominence in the Victorian era (1860–1890). During this time, black jewellery evolved beyond mourning adornment to represent a sophisticated symbol of style. Items made from Jet, bog oak, vulcanite, or pressed horn frequently held significant personal meaning, functioning as mementoes of affection, loss, and remembrance. Grapes and leaves carved from Jet frequently symbolised the Christian faith. The presence of the grape leaf in Christian churches or at funeral rites typically signified triumph over death and the promise of heavenly joy. Specifications Description: Jet, likely Whitby Jet Condition: Original, good, with only a few minor edge imperfections Colour: Lustrous black Closure Type: C-Clasp Period: Victorian era (1837-1901), late 19th century Dimensions: H4.5cm x W5.2cm x D0.8cm, approximately PLEASE NOTE Our antique and vintage collections are second-hand items. Customers are not purchasing 'new', 'perfect' or 'unworn items', and as such, should expect wear and imperfections. It is expected that these pieces will show normal wear and tear, given their age. Wear could include patina, scuffs, and light scratches or chips. Images are of actual items. Please review the photos carefully before purchasing and reach out if you have any questions.
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Jet Brooch ‘Argyle Design’
$295.00This lovely nineteenth-century bar brooch is hand-carved from genuine jet and showcases an ornate argyle pattern with intercrossing diagonal lines across its central rectangular section. Its craftsmanship and unique design exemplify the era’s artistry. The material of this brooch is the fossilised wood of Araucaria araucana (Monkey Puzzle) and related species that thrived during the Jurassic period, approximately 150 to 180 million years ago. Its deep, lustrous black colour and rarity made it highly valued in the Victorian era (1860–1890), when jet brooches like this one were worn both for their elegance and symbolic meaning as cherished tokens of affection or remembrance. This dainty brooch, measuring approximately 1.6cm in height, 4.7cm in width, and 0.8cm in diameter, provides a tangible connection to the artistic and emotional values of the period. It encapsulates the style and symbolic significance of its era. Specifications Description: Whitby Jet Condition: Original, very good, with only a few minor edge imperfections. Colour: Lustrous black Closure Type: C-Clasp Period: Victorian era (1837-1901), late 19th century Dimensions: H1.6cm x W4.7cm x D0.8cm, approximately PLEASE NOTE Our antique and vintage collections are second-hand items. Customers are not purchasing 'new', 'perfect' or 'unworn items', and as such, should expect wear and imperfections. It is expected that these pieces will show normal wear and tear, given their age. Wear could include patina, scuffs, and light scratches or chips. Images are of actual items. Please review the photos carefully before purchasing and reach out if you have any questions.
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Vulcanite Locket Pendant ‘Cross’
$295.00This exquisite nineteenth-century vulcanite locket pendant features a prominent cross on the front, while the interior reveals elaborate carvings framing two picture sections. The original glass insert is intact and designed to securely hold a photograph; it can be temporarily removed when changing images. Its precise craftsmanship and distinctive design exemplify the artistic achievements of the era. Vulcanite, a material engineered to imitate natural jet, was widely used in mourning jewellery throughout the nineteenth century. During the Victorian era, vulcanite became favoured as a refined and affordable substitute for Whitby jet. Prized for its moldability and lightweight nature, it was extensively incorporated into mourning and sentimental jewellery. Measuring approximately 4cm high, 3.5cm wide, and 1.7cm deep, this striking locket pendant provides a tangible link to the era's artistic sensibility and sentiment. It embodies the style and symbolism distinctive to its period. Specifications Description: Vulcanite Condition: Original, very good Closure Type: Hinged, minor imperfection – chipped in one part however is in excellent working order Period: Victorian era (1837-1901), late 19th century Dimensions: H5.4cm (including bail) just pendant H4cm x W3.5cm x D1.7cm, approximately PLEASE NOTE Our antique and vintage collections are second-hand items. Customers are not purchasing 'new', 'perfect' or 'unworn items', and as such, should expect wear and imperfections. It is expected that these pieces will show normal wear and tear, given their age. Wear could include patina, scuffs, and light scratches or chips. Images are of actual items. Please review the photos carefully before purchasing and reach out if you have any questions.
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Jet + Pietra Dura Pendant
$750.00This nineteenth-century pendant exemplifies refined craftsmanship. The delicate Pietra dura hardstone panel features a pink rose set within a faceted Whitby Jet mount. Its unique design reflects the artistry characteristic of the period. Pietra dura (hardstone) is a Florentine mosaic technique descended from the Roman opus sectile style. In this method, carefully sawn gemstone pieces are fitted together to form an image. Jet refers to the fossilised wood of Araucaria araucana (Monkey Puzzle) and related species that thrived during the Jurassic period, approximately 150 to 180 million years ago. Its deep, lustrous black colour and rarity contributed to its high value in the Victorian era (1860–1890), when jet and Pietra dura pendants were worn for both their elegance and their symbolic significance as tokens of affection or remembrance. The pendant, including the bail, measures approximately 7cm in length, 3.8cm in width, and 0.8cm in depth. This artefact provides a tangible connection to the artistic and emotional values of the nineteenth century, embodying its style and symbolic significance. Specifications Description: Pietra Dura set within a faceted Whitby Jet mount Condition: Original, excellent (pendant only) Period: Victorian era (1837-1901), late 19th century Dimensions: H7cm (including bail) just pendant H4.5cm x W3.8cm x D0.8cm, approximately PLEASE NOTE Our antique and vintage collections are second-hand items. Customers are not purchasing 'new', 'perfect' or 'unworn items', and as such, should expect wear and imperfections. It is expected that these pieces will show normal wear and tear, given their age. Wear could include patina, scuffs, and light scratches or chips. Images are of actual items. Please review the photos carefully before purchasing and reach out if you have any questions.
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Whitby Jet Necklace ‘Circa 1900’
$1,650.00This nineteenth-century necklace is crafted from Whitby jet, a highly regarded variety. It features gently graduating beads that alternate between hand-carved half circular forms and smooth round beads, finished with a large lobster clasp. Its precise craftsmanship and distinctive design exemplify the artistic achievements of the period. Jet is fossilised Araucaria wood from the Jurassic period, about 150 to 180 million years ago. Valued for its deeply lustrous black hue and rarity, Jet captivates collectors and historians alike. Its extraordinary legacy soared in Victorian Britain, when black jewellery became fashionable beyond mourning, serving as mementoes of affection, loss, and remembrance alongside Jet, bog oak, vulcanite, and pressed horn. Measuring approximately 57cm in length, this exquisite necklace forges a profound connection to the artistic sensibility and sentiment of its era. It powerfully embodies the distinctive style and richly layered symbolism of the nineteenth century, making it a compelling testament to its time. Specifications Description: Whitby Jet Necklace Condition: Excellent Closure Type: Tube clasp Period: Victorian era (1837-1901), Circa 1900s Length: end to end 57cm, length on 27cm, approximately Bead Size: Half circle bead, largest 2.4cm x 1cm (44mm x 10mm) Bead Size: Round, largest 1.9cm (19mm), smallest 1.1cm (11mm) PLEASE NOTE Our antique and vintage collections are second-hand items. Customers are not purchasing 'new', 'perfect' or 'unworn items', and as such, should expect wear and imperfections. It is expected that these pieces will show normal wear and tear, given their age. Wear could include patina, scuffs, and light scratches or chips. Images are of actual items. Please review the photos carefully before purchasing and reach out if you have any questions.
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Whitby Jet Necklace ‘Faceted Beads’
$1,650.00This nineteenth-century necklace is crafted from Whitby jet, a highly regarded variety. It features gently graduating faceted beads, closed with a tube clasp that fits precisely into recesses bored into each of the two end beads. The precise craftsmanship and distinctive design exemplify the artistic achievements of the period. Jet is fossilised Araucaria wood from the Jurassic period, dating approximately 150 to 180 million years ago. Valued for its lustrous black hue and rarity, Jet gained prominence in Victorian Britain, when black jewellery became fashionable beyond mourning, serving as mementoes of affection, loss, and remembrance alongside Jet, bog oak, vulcanite, and pressed horn. Measuring approximately 52cm in length, this exquisite necklace forges a profound connection to the artistic sensibility and sentiment of its era. It powerfully embodies the distinctive style and richly layered symbolism of the nineteenth century, making it a compelling testament to its time. Specifications Description: Whitby Jet Necklace Condition: Excellent Closure Type: Tube clasp Period: Victorian era (1837-1901), late 19th century Length: end to end 52cm, length on 25cm, approximately Bead Type + Size: All faceted beads, largest 1.4cm (14mm), smallest 1.1cm (11mm) PLEASE NOTE Our antique and vintage collections are second-hand items. Customers are not purchasing 'new', 'perfect' or 'unworn items', and as such, should expect wear and imperfections. It is expected that these pieces will show normal wear and tear, given their age. Wear could include patina, scuffs, and light scratches or chips. Images are of actual items. Please review the photos carefully before purchasing and reach out if you have any questions.
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French Jet Bar Brooch ‘Three Leaf Clover’
$125.00This lovely nineteenth-century bar brooch is carved from genuine French jet and features an ornate three-leaf clover motif. Its craftsmanship and distinctive design exemplify the artistry of the period. French jet is a black glass material used to simulate natural jet. It was commonly employed in mourning jewellery throughout the nineteenth century. During the Victorian era, French jet gained popularity as an elegant and accessible alternative to Whitby jet. Valued for its deep black sheen and light weight, it was frequently incorporated into mourning and sentimental jewellery. Measuring approximately 1.2cm in height, 4.2cm in width, and 0.6cm in depth, this dainty brooch offers a tangible connection to the artistic and emotional values of the nineteenth century. It embodies the style and symbolic significance characteristic of its era. Specifications Description: French Jet Condition: Original, good, with minor edge imperfections on the back Colour: Glassy black Closure type: C-clasp Period: Victorian era (1837-1901), late 19th century Dimensions: H1.2cm x W4.2cm x D0.6cm, approximately PLEASE NOTE Our antique and vintage collections are second-hand items. Customers are not purchasing 'new', 'perfect' or 'unworn items', and as such, should expect wear and imperfections. It is expected that these pieces will show normal wear and tear, given their age. Wear could include patina, scuffs, and light scratches or chips. Images are of actual items. Please review the photos carefully before purchasing and reach out if you have any questions.
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French Jet Hair Barrette
$45.00French Jet Hair Barrette This striking Victorian-era French Jet hair barrette showcases intricate crescent moons and delicate daisies. French jet is a black glass material used to simulate natural jet. It was commonly employed in mourning jewellery throughout the nineteenth century. During the Victorian era, French jet gained popularity as an elegant and accessible alternative to Whitby jet. Valued for its deep black sheen and light weight, it was frequently incorporated into mourning and sentimental jewellery. Measuring 3.2cm in height, 7.5cm in width, and 0.5cm deep, the tension bar at the back is in good working order. While it shows a few signs of its age, its vintage character only adds to its charm, making it a lovely little showpiece. Specifications Description: French Jet Hair Barrette Condition: Fair, one crescent moon missing and broken, and a few round faceted stones missing Closure Type: Tension bar. This mechanism consists of a clamp with two wire prongs that latch to the arm, securing hair between the tension bar and the arm Period: Victorian era (1837-1901), late 19th century Length: H3.2cm x W7.5cm x D0.5cm, approximately PLEASE NOTE Our antique and vintage collections are second-hand items. Customers are not purchasing 'new', 'perfect' or 'unworn items', and as such, should expect wear and imperfections. It is expected that these pieces will show normal wear and tear, given their age. Wear could include patina, scuffs, and light scratches or chips. Images are of actual items. Please review the photos carefully before purchasing and reach out if you have any questions.
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