Jet Brooch ‘Rose’

This rare Victorian mourning brooch, hand-carved from genuine Jet, features a meticulous rose at its centre. Its exceptional preservation and minimal wear underscore both its superior craftsmanship and the care it has received.

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 rose motif on this brooch held particular significance in Victorian symbolism, representing love, beauty, and the nuanced interplay between joy and sorrow. This brooch serves as a tangible link to the period’s artistic and emotional values, encapsulating its symbolic resonance.

Specifications
Description: Whitby Jet
Condition: Original, very good
Colour: Lustrous black
Closure Type: C-Clasp
Period: Victorian era (1837-1901), late 19th century
Dimensions: H3.6cm x W2.8cm x D2cm, 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.