- Description
- Specifications
A striking pair of antique carved Whitby jet earrings from the Victorian era, c1880! Hand carved of deep black Whitby jet and 9ct gold wires, this fanciful pair of earrings dangle with a substantial sized tear-shaped link. The eye is drawn to the hand carved central oval cameo which depicts a relief carving of leaves and grapes, it is bordered by a tear-shaped carved patterned border... adding further dimension and Victorian panache. The links connect to Whitby jet spear shaped front connectors and Whitby jet top loops where gold cups/wires attach from; amazingly, all original to the earrings!
The earrings measure approx 6.50cm total drop in lobe and approx 2.50cm max width.
In the Victorian secret language of floriography the grapes along with leaves was often associated with birth/rebirth, abundance & charity with regard to Christianity.
Jet is a fossilized wood around 180 million years old from the ancient 'monkey puzzle' tree - most of the jet used historically or from the Queen Victorian reign, was Whitby jet from the English seaside town of Whitby, England. Jet from the Whitby region is said to be the best quality due to its tough density and high sheen. Jet was popularized by Queen Victorian who wore only black mourning jewellery following the death of her beloved husband Prince Albert in 1861.
Video of the earrings can be viewed here: https://youtube.com/shorts/WGzxhj7-_2Y?si=7wHK9uQx90AK9nI1
A gorgeous pair of original 19th century Whitby jet earrings. The pair are lightweight, making them a gorgeous statement in the lobe!
| Victorian, c1880 | |
| 9ct gold | |
| Whitby jet | |
| - | |
| 11.43 grams | |
| 6.50cm total drop in lobe and approx 2.50cm max width | |
| The condition of the antique earrings is excellent. Besides normal surface wear, the Whitby jet presents in excellent order with no 'nibbles' sighted, and the original wire fittings work well. A gorgeous pair of antique earrings! |
