Antique Victorian Carved Whitby Jet Pendeloque Earrings

A wonderful pair of carved Whitby jet Pendeloque earrings from the Victorian era, c1880! Hand made of Whitby jet and 9ct yellow gold and gold lined fittings, this gorgeous pair of antique earrings has an elongated torpedo-esque design with beautiful intricate all-over hand carving. Stunning on the lobe, the earrings retain the original gold caps and gold wire fittings with a lovely stylized design to the front of the wires. No stamps are sighted and when tested indicated approximately 9ct gold caps and wires, with gold lined front designs. The earrings measure approx. 6.20cm total drop. The earrings likely originate from England.

Jet is a fossilized wood around 180 million years old from the ancient 'monkey puzzle' tree - most of the jet used historically or from the Queen Victorian reign, was Whitby jet from the English seaside town of Whitby, England. Jet from the Whitby region is said to be the best quality due to it's tough density and high sheen. Jet was popularized by Queen Victorian who wore only black mourning jewellery following the death of her beloved husband Prince Albert in 1861. 

Video of the earrings can be viewed here: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/kijSkBzLYeM

Such a timeless design, the pendulous shape complements beautifully in the earlobe, as they did 140 + years ago!