Whitby jet locket with French jet necklace
Whitby jet locket with French jet necklace
6756
A Victorian Whitby jet carved locket with gilt picture compartment circa 1840 on a later French jet necklace.
Whitby jet is a rare, fossilised wood gemstone found along the North Yorkshire coast in England. Formed from ancient Araucaria trees over millions of years, it is renowned for its deep black colour and smooth, glass-like finish when polished.
Highly prized during the Victorian era, jet was popular in mourning jewellery, especially by Queen Victoria.
In contrast, French jet is a type of glass, often made to mimic the appearance of Whitby jet. It was popularised in France in the 19th century and is not a natural material like Whitby jet.
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