Classic Victorian design & craftsmanship

By RayHeath

© Ray Heath...Stylish Victorian jet necklaces display?

Depending upon how you perceive this image ( & how many drinks you have had) it could be of a mount for classic Victorian jewelry with mostly black jet necklaces. Jet is a gemstone. Unlike many gemstones, jet is not a mineral, but is rather a mineraloid. ] It is derived from wood that has changed under extreme pressure.

Jet found at Whitby in the UK is "Jet Rock" that was formed approximately 181 million years ago during the Toarcian age of the Early Jurassic period and is the fossilized wood from an ancient Chilean pine (Araucaria araucana). Jet has also been found in Kimmeridge shale seams in Dorset in the UK.

Jet is very easy to carve, but it is difficult to create fine details without breaking so it takes an experienced lapidary to execute more elaborate carvings. The adjective "jet-black", meaning as dark a black as possible, derives from this material.
Jet as a gemstone became fashionable in the 1850s as part of Queen Victoria’s morning dress while mourning the death of her husband Prince Albert.

Tags: General Makeney Hall Hotel jewelry -like balustrades classic Victorian design

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