Elegant oval pendant. This freeform design, inspired by natural organic forms
is both contemporary and stylish.
- Pendant width 2.2cm
- Chain length 41cm
- Sheffield Sterling Silver
- Sale price was £57.50
Whitby Jet
Whitby Jet is the fossilized remains of the Araucaria tree which grew during
the Jurassic period. Its modern day descendent is the Araucaria araucana, more
commonly known as the Monkey-puzzle tree. In England this hidden treasure can
still be found along a short stretch of the North Yorkshire coastline.
For centuries this precious jet was only revealed by means of natural erosion.
Its beauty and durability quickly became evident to our ancestors and it was
crafted into jewellery as far back as the Bronze Age. Archaeological finds have
shown that both the Romans and Vikings held jet in high regard. In the 19th
Century a Jet mining industry grew up and flourished around the small North
Yorkshire fishing village of Whitby. Supply could not keep up with demand. Available
seams were exhausted and poorer quality jet imported leading to the industry’s
decline.
Today jet is once again collected from the shores of North Yorkshire - an ancient
treasure that continues to be crafted into unique gemstones each displaying
the characteristic deep shine and intense blackness that is the enduring beauty
of Whitby Jet.