A Victorian Whitby jet cross pendant, circa 1870-1890, set with five faceted jet stones and smaller polished jet beads around the edges. Suspended from a 70cm black velvet ribbon.
Whitby jet became closely associated with mourning in the 19th century, but the material had a much longer history of being worn for protection. In earlier traditions it was believed to guard against harmful influence and the evil eye; by the Victorian period those associations sat alongside grief, remembrance and devotion.
Dimensions: 9 x 7cm including bales
Velvet ribbon: 70cm
Condition: Good antique condition with age-related surface wear consistent with use. Please examine the photographs as they form part of the description.
A Victorian Whitby jet cross pendant, circa 1870-1890, set with five faceted jet stones and smaller polished jet beads around the edges. Suspended from a 70cm black velvet ribbon.
Whitby jet became closely associated with mourning in the 19th century, but the material had a much longer history of being worn for protection. In earlier traditions it was believed to guard against harmful influence and the evil eye; by the Victorian period those associations sat alongside grief, remembrance and devotion.
Dimensions: 9 x 7cm including bales
Velvet ribbon: 70cm
Condition: Good antique condition with age-related surface wear consistent with use. Please examine the photographs as they form part of the description.
