Oversized Victorian Jet Locket
Jet is one of those materials that you have to feel to believe. Quite the opposite of onyx, although the two are often very similar in appearance, jet has a warmth and likeness almost akin to wood. Which makes some sort of sense, since the material is indeed a form of petrified wood. The jet we find in Victorian mourning jewellery like this is native to Whitby, on the Yorkshire coast, and it was fantastically popular during the Victorian period, especially in the wake of beloved Prince Albert's death.
This oversized oval locket is crafted from Whitby jet with a gold, seed-pearl studded star at the centre. It opens to reveal two images of, one would assume, a mother and son; the mother has been immortalised by a hand-colourised photograph, and the rather foppish son is sketched in colour. The familial resemblance is rather striking. The initials AMM have been engraved onto the silver fittings inside in a gorgeous gothic script. It hangs from its original, oversized black enamelled bail.
Era: Victorian, circa 1870
Stones: Whitby Jet & Natural Seed Pearls
Size: 8.8cm by 4.8cm (including bail)
Marks: None
Condition: Great antique condition; some wear (or perhaps evidence of an old touch-up) to the black enamel at the base of the bail. Not noticeable when worn.
Full appraisal document provided with each item.
This includes a valuation for insurance purposes, item specifics, date, and origins (where applicable).
Gemstones are tested by an accredited gemmologist (Cert GA, Gemmological Association of Great Britain).
Shipping
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Tracked and insured with signature on delivery
RM Special Delivery (UK domestic)
US Shipments
US Customs no longer charges a 10% tariff on antiques shipped from the UK. We will ensure that our parcels are correctly declared using the relevant HTS codes to qualify for the tariff exemption and zero-rated (0%) duties so you won't have any customs fees to pay at the border. You will remain liable for any handling/storage fees charged by DHL as a result of a delay in providing any additional customs information.
[Last updated: September 2026]
Resizing
Ring sizing is available on most rings
£55 flat fee
Resizing takes 7-14 days
Leave a note at checkout with your desired size
Note: sizing may remove some of the patina (although we take every care to reduce this where possible)
Layaway
25% deposit taken to secure the item. The remaining balance will be settled in 90 days. You can pay installments weekly, monthly, or the full balance at the end - whatever works.
Condition
We offer detailed and accurate condition reports on each listing. These pieces are antique, vintage, or pre-loved and often over 100 years old so they're going to have lived a life. A healthy patina and the odd scuff or scrape is quite normal... it's part of their charm! Everything we present has been checked over by our jeweller and should be good for wear for many years to come (unless otherwise stated) but please remember to treat them with appropriate care and consideration for their age.
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