Victorian Whitby Jet Earrings

A pair of Whitby Jet earrings with a bouquet of flowers carved in a cameo style.

The earrings are in perfect condition with silver shepherds hook fittings.

Whitby Jet is a beautiful gemstone that has been highly valued for centuries. It is actually fossilized wood from an ancient tree, specifically the Araucaria tree, which lived around 180 million years ago. The wood has undergone a process known as carbonization, where it has transformed into a hard and durable material over time.

Whitby Jet has a deep black color and a smooth, matte finish, which makes it very unique and attractive. It has been used for various purposes throughout history, including jewelry, ornaments, and even mourning attire during the Victorian era. Its popularity soared during the 19th century when Queen Victoria wore mourning jewelry made from Whitby Jet after the death of her beloved husband, Prince Albert.

Today, Whitby Jet is still highly sought after for its beauty and historical significance. It is considered a precious gemstone and is often used in the creation of exquisite jewelry pieces. The town of Whitby in North Yorkshire, England, is particularly famous for its association with Whitby Jet, and many artisans and jewelers there continue to work with this fascinating material.

Total weight 7.0g

Size of each oval carved Jet 2.5cm x 2cm