A rare large and very beautiful hand-carved Victorian Whitby Jet mourning brooch featuring Lily-of-the-Valley flowers in high relief. In the language of flowers, the Lily of the Valley is a symbol of purity, joy, love, sincerity, happiness and luck. In France, May the 1st is “La Fête du Muguet” or “The Lily of the Valley Celebration” when small bouquets of these beautiful flowers are given to loved ones as a gesture of affection and luck for the coming year. Georgian and Victorian black jewelry pieces have had a recent resurgence in popularity due to their unique histories and symbolism combined with a sleek elegance that is remarkably contemporary. 
C-Clasp. 
 
180 million years old, the gemstone Whitby Jet is anaerobically fossilised wood of the Araucaria tree usually found in the cliffs of the North Yorkshire coastline. It is known for its deep blackness, glossy shine, and light weight, making it ideal for larger jewelry pieces. Though Whitby Jet has been used for jewelry-making since the Bronze Age and was also extremely popular during the Roman and Viking Eras, the first Whitby Jet-carving workshop was created in 1808. The fine craftsmanship of the carvers and beauty of the pieces attracted many influential people internationally, most notably the Empress of France and Queen Victoria, who wore primarily Whitby Jet jewelry after the loss of Prince Albert in 1861. The cost, rarity and popularity of Whitby Jet inspired many other lovely Victorian-era black jet copycats such as French Jet and Vulcanite, though nothing can quite compete with the unique light weight, deep-blackness (consequently known as “jet black) and lustrous finish of real Whitby Jet. 
 
MATERIAL:
Whitby Jet, Silver 
 
AGE: 
1800s
 
CONDITION: 
Very Good – surface wear commensurate with age and use. 
 
SIZE: 
H 5cm
W 4cm
 
WEIGHT:
16.28 g
 
Please read descriptions and inspect photos carefully, paying careful attention to size and weight. Due to the age of antique and vintage jewelry, minor abrasions and wear of finishes is normal and appreciated. All items have been tested to be in working/usable condition, unless otherwise stated. Please take care to understand safe cleaning methods for each type of gem and metal. Jewelry pieces are carefully wrapped and shipped in an elegant black box.