3 FASCINATING FACTS ABOUT (FRENCH) JET JEWELLERY
What is jet Jewellery?
Whitby jet is an organic material, which varies from dense black to dark brown. It is fossilised wood originating from the Monkey-puzzle tree. Jet isn’t actually a mineral, as it’s made when decaying wood is under extreme pressure (sort of like coal). Its what’s known as a mineraloid. Thus some traditional measures of the intrinsic material can’t be used.
French Jet is not made in France!
French jet jewellery was made from shiny black glass, which was cut and backed, with black-coated steel early last century when Whitby jet mining (an organic rock from coal) was banned.
Why was jet so fashionable?
The fashion for jet jewellery started in the 1800’s as mourning jewellery, when Queen Victoria wore a necklace to a banquet after the death of her cousin followed by the death of Albert and accidentally caused a fashion sensation. Jet (high-grade fossilised pine) was considered the only suitable material for mourning. By the end of the 19th century imitations of jet were being made in costume jewellery in Bohemia for French designers. (hence the name "French jet")
The fashion for jet jewellery started in the 1800’s as mourning jewellery, when Queen Victoria wore a necklace to a banquet after the death of her cousin followed by the death of Albert and accidentally caused a fashion sensation. Jet (high-grade fossilised pine) was considered the only suitable material for mourning. By the end of the 19th century imitations of jet were being made in costume jewellery in Bohemia for French designers. (hence the name "French jet")
