Victorian Jet Grapes Earrings
Victorian Whitby Jet earrings carved to depict grape bunches. Offered with a period earring box, possibly original, and later added gold ear wires. To the Victorians, the grape represented rebirth/birth, abundance, Christian charity and success, however when in the context of mourning it came to represent the triumph of victory over death and all the joys of heaven.
Jet is a type of fossilised wood, approximately 180 million years old, from the monkey puzzle tree. It's light and carveable, which made it a popular choice for mourning jewellery, and, following the death of Albert in 1861, demand skyrocketed as Queen Victorian entered a period of mourning that lasted for the rest of her life (famously wearing only black). The majority of the jet used in Victorian morning jeweller was mined in Whitby, Yorkshire.
Era: Victorian, circa 1880
Size: 6.0cm (from top of ear wire) by 1.9cm
Stone: Whitby Jet
Marks: None, ear wires tested as 9ct gold
Condition: Fair. The ear wires are later additions and one of the top rings has evidence of repair. Some chips and scratches consistent with age - see images
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
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Resizing
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Note: sizing may remove some of the patina (although we take every care to reduce this where possible)
Layaway
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Condition
We offer detailed and accurate condition reports on each listing. These pieces are antique, vintage, or pre-loved, often over 100 years old so they're going to have lived a life. A healthy patina and the odd scuff/scrape are 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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