Victorian Whitby Jet Hand-Painted Portrait Pendant & Jet Bead Necklace, c.1870–1890
A wonderfully evocative Victorian Whitby jet pendant and bead necklace, dating to the latter half of the 19th century, circa 1870–1890.
The substantial oval pendant features a beautifully detailed hand-painted portrait of a young woman delicately holding a pink flower to her face. Her softly painted features, curled hair, pink ribbons and blue bow are picked out in remarkably pretty colours against a rich brown ground.
The miniature portrait is set within a dramatic carved and shaped black jet surround, with a large integral jet bale above. The reverse is plain and displays the deep, lustrous black finish characteristic of antique jet jewellery.
The pendant is accompanied by a long strand of faceted black Whitby jet beads, each individually cut to catch the light. The subtle facets give the necklace a wonderful soft sparkle and provide a beautiful contrast to the smooth portrait miniature.
Whitby jet became one of the defining materials of Victorian jewellery. Formed from fossilised wood and found along the Yorkshire coast around Whitby, it could be carved and polished to a remarkable depth of black. Its popularity increased enormously during the Victorian period, particularly following the death of Prince Albert in 1861, when Queen Victoria’s prolonged mourning helped establish black jewellery as an important part of fashionable Victorian dress. Jet jewellery was not, however, confined solely to mourning and was also worn as fashionable day and evening jewellery.
Please note: the necklace currently requires restringing before it can be safely worn. It is therefore being offered in its present antique condition, allowing its new owner to have the beads professionally restrung while preserving this beautiful Victorian piece.
An unusual and highly decorative piece of Victorian jewellery, combining the unmistakable character of black jet with a wonderfully feminine hand-painted portrait. Beautiful displayed as part of a collection and, once restrung, a striking piece to wear.
Date: Victorian, circa 1870–1890
Material: Whitby jet
Pendant: Hand-painted portrait miniature in jet surround
Necklace: Faceted jet beads
Condition: Antique condition with age-related wear. The bead necklace requires restringing before wear. Please study the photographs carefully as they form part of the description.
Pendant measures: 6 x 3cm
whitby jet bead measure: 62cm end to end
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