Whitby Jet Brooch in the form of an Anchor - 19 th Century (SOLD)

This is a pristine example of Victorian Century Whitby Jet jewellery.   The brooch is in the form of an anchor - the symbol for 'Hope'.  The Victorians were responsible for many designs which are now known as Sentimental jewellery where symbolism conveyed messages, often secret ones!  Jet jewellery is often known as 'Mourning Jewellery'.  In the 19th Century there were strict codes of practise when in mourning.  Queen Victoria herself went into a very long period of mourning after the death of her beloved Albert in 1861 and Jet was the only jewellery which could be worn at court. Brooches and other pieces of jewelry were handmade in Jet, black glass (known as French Jet) and other Jet substitutes and look alikes such as Bog Oak, Pressed Horn, Ebony and Ebonised Wood,Vulcanite, Celluloid and other early plastic Compositions. The craftsmanship is often superb as is the case in this brooch.  The Anchor itself measures 1.5 inches by 1 inch. The top of the brooch has a complete loop hole which would allow a loop and chain to be fixed to it to enable it to be worn as a pendant on a necklace.  The brooch is decorated with three well carved open flowers with a ball centre and five petals to each.  the flowers are finished with two intricate leaves which are detailed enough to show the veins on each.  The final decoration is three small balls on each side of the anchor.  As is the case in jewellery of this type the balls are individually wired onto the piece.  On the reverse the brooch has a brass pin attached with two screw fixtures with a 'c' type closure.  The condition is excellent, this Whitby jet pin is shiny without cracks or flaws.

JEWELLERY DETAILS

Designer or Brand: No, this is a 'one off'

Country of Origin: UK

Condition: Very Good

Decade:  1890s

Era: Antique

Type: Brooch

Material: Whitby Jet  and brass