Jet is a dense black fossilised wood, almost like coal, and very light in weight. It is easy to cut, so carved well.

It became popular in the Victorian era for mourning jewellery, which became fashionable after the death of Queen Victoria's husband Prince Albert in 1861.

The latter part of the Victorian era was characterised by the sentimentality associated with mourning. Black has been the colour for mourning in the Western world since at least the Roman Empire, and as well as jewellery, the period saw the colour used in furniture, clothing and stationery as a mark of respect to the deceased.

Jet was in abundant supply around Whitby in Yorkshire and so jet became the obvious material for this type of jewellery. Some jet was also imported from Spain at the height of its popularity in order to meet demand.

As well as factories producing jet items, more...

17 items found:

These items have been sold, and the description, image and price are for reference purposes only.

Victorian jet carved panel bracelet marked Wilsons patent. Item…

Victorian Jet Carved Panel Bracelet, Wilsons Patent, Needs Restringing

Victorian jet carved panel bracelet marked Wilsons patent. Item is for restringing, length 18 cm, width 30.5 mm

Antique carved Whitby jet bracelet showing the dissolved Abbey…

Whitby Jet Bracelet with Abbey Ruins Carving

Antique carved Whitby jet bracelet showing the dissolved Abbey ruins, bead size 24-33 mm, length 18 cm

A bracelet by Chanel, comprising French jet and faux Tahitian…

Chanel Jet & Pearl Bracelet with Monogram Charm

A bracelet by Chanel, comprising French jet and faux Tahitian pearls on chain with monogram charm, all in oxidised metal, total length 190 mm, boxed.

Victorian French jet mourning bracelet, central panel with high…

Victorian Mourning Bracelet with Classical Portrait

Victorian French jet mourning bracelet, central panel with high relief classical portrait on expanding wrythen ribbed panels

Carved jet bracelet with carved floral relief.

Floral Relief Jet Bracelet

Carved jet bracelet with carved floral relief.

A Victorian carved Whitby jet bracelet, circa 1900.

Carved Victorian Whitby Jet Bracelet (1900)

A Victorian carved Whitby jet bracelet, circa 1900.

Pearl and facetted jet necklace & bracelet, set with magnetic…

Magnetic Clasp Jet Set: Necklace & Bracelet Duo

Pearl and facetted jet necklace & bracelet, set with magnetic clasps

A Victorian jet cuff bracelet, panel links with carved…

Victorian Jet Cuff Bracelet with Carved Centrepiece

A Victorian jet cuff bracelet, panel links with carved centrepiece on stretch cord

Good jet bracelet stretch style

Jet Stretch Bracelet: Sleek and Stylish

Good jet bracelet stretch style

A carved jet bracelet. Presented as a slender series of domed…

Etched Jet Bracelet with Leaf Embellishments

A carved jet bracelet. Presented as a slender series of domed panels of polished jet, etched with starburst pattern through centre links, embellished by three large leaf panels, fitted to stretcher.

A jet bracelet, circa 1930's, made as a series of alternating…

1930's Carved Jet Bracelet

A jet bracelet, circa 1930's, made as a series of alternating oval polished and larger carved panels of black jet, tapering at reverse to two slender plain polished panels, all connected by stretcher.

Whitby jet and ivory stretch bracelet

Jet & Ivory Stretch Bracelet

Whitby jet and ivory stretch bracelet

Facetted jet stretch bracelet, needs restringing

Jet Stretch Bracelet - Needs Restringing

Facetted jet stretch bracelet, needs restringing

Three items of Victorian jewellery; two jet bracelets (minor…

Victorian Jet Bracelets and Tortoise Shell Necklace

Three items of Victorian jewellery; two jet bracelets (minor chips) and a tortoise shell bead necklace.

Carved Whitby jet bracelet

Jet Carved Bracelet from Whitby

Carved Whitby jet bracelet

Good Victorian Whitby jet bracelet with fine gold and seed…

Victorian Jet Bracelet with Gold and Pearl Decoration

Good Victorian Whitby jet bracelet with fine gold and seed pearl decoration. Marked 'Skelhorns Patent'.

A Whitby jet bracelet and pair of earrings. The bracelet…

Jet Bracelet and Earrings Set

A Whitby jet bracelet and pair of earrings. The bracelet designed as rectangular shaped polished panels of black jet, alternating in size and set to a stretcher bracelet, along with a lovely pair of antique drop earrings, 9ct yellow gold, of barrel form…