Victorian Jet Wheat Sheaf Pendant
At first glance, this pairing might seem somewhat odd: the wheat sheaf and black Whitby jet. The latter is normally associated with mourning jewellery, but wheat is an age old symbol of fertility and abundance. When viewed in the context of mourning, we have to dig a little deeper into the Classical mythology. Through the story of Ceres/Demeter, the cyclical nature of the seasons, of sowing and the harvest, of Proserpina/Persephone's abduction to the Underworld and ultimate return, we can view the wheat sheaf as a representation of life and death and rebirth - which starts to make more sense. The wheat sheaf had long been associated with resurrection and, as per the Christian tradition, with the body of Christ himself. But 19th century mourning traditions took these sentiments further (naturally), with the wheat sheaf acting as a sort of memento mori, representing life cut short and a resurrection this time of the soul.
Era: Victorian, circa 1860
Size: 5.0cm (including bail) by 2.8cm
Stone: Whitby Jet
Marks: None, bail tested as base metal
Condition: Great antique condition.
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
UPS Express shipping is free of charge on international orders over £300 and it's carbon offset
Tracked and insured with signature on delivery
RM Special Delivery (UK domestic)
US Shipments
US Customs now charges a 10% tariff on all UK shipments as they cross the border. We will pay this customs charge on your behalf. Import duties remain 0% on antiques.
[Last updated: 28th February 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.
Buying a Gift?
Leave a note at checkout and we'll include a handwritten note to the recipient. Just tell us what you'd like to say :)
More Questions?
Get in touch... There's a live chat at the bottom right of the page.
info@lostowl.com