Images(2)

Oval Jet Mourning Brooch

Date1860 - 1910

Object NameBrooch

Mediumjet, metal

ClassificationsJewellery

DimensionsOverall: Length: 4 cm

AcquisitionPresented in 1984 by Mrs M Campbell.

LocationView by Appointment - Aberdeen Treasure Hub

Object numberABDMS006811

Keywords

About MeThis open work oval-shaped brooch is made from cut and polished jet, applied to a metal backing with a simple hinged pin fastening.

Jet mourning brooches became extremely popular after the death of Prince Albert in 1861. Jet is a hard, fossilised wood and has been used in jewellery and decoration for thousands of years. Most of the jet used to make jewellery in the 19th century came from Whitby in North Yorkshire.

Jet was perfectly versatile, not only because of its colour but also because it was easily carved and manipulated to suit the needs of each stage of mourning. It can be left dull and unpolished, but equally it could be cut and polished into a many facetted, sparkling jewel.

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Can you see all the geometric shapes created by the way light falls on the cut facets of the jet?