A spectacular Victorian carved jet locket with a fern motif, circa 1860 to 1880. It is a powerful statement piece with many layers of meaning.

This is a beautifully carved locket featuring a lush spray of ferns in deep relief. The piece is created from Whitby jet, the prized fossilised wood of the Araucaria tree, formed over 180 million years ago. As far back as Roman times, jet was considered protective and used as a ward against the Evil Eye. In Victorian spiritualist circles, jet was also believed to absorb sorrow, carrying grief safely for the wearer.

The fern motif:

During the mid Victorian period, Britain succumbed to Pteridomania, the fern craze. Ferns were believed to embody mystery and secrecy. The Victorians associated them with the unseen realm because fern seeds were thought to be invisible. In esoteric traditions they are linked to threshold magic, as plants that thrive in liminal spaces between light and shadow. They were believed to represent humility, sincerity, eternal youth and resilience: life persists in the hidden places, even when it appears dormant.

In mourning jewellery, ferns acted as a quiet spell of remembrance, reminding the wearer that life endures in the shadows and beyond sight.

Condition: This presents beautifully. Carving is crisp, no chips. Professional, invisible repair to the base of the bail. There is a glazed compartment to the reverse that eases out- the glazing is acrylic but looks like glass (much more resilient). I have added a pressed rose. A superb example. 

Size: 7.5 x 4cm including the bale. 

This comes with the antique lace ribbon pictured and 45cm 14ct gold filled chain.