A wonderfully unusual little survivor from the Victorian era — an antique hand-carved Whitby jet pendant/charm, beautifully fashioned into the distinctive form of a Maltese cross.

RARE FIND | VICTORIAN WHITBY JET MALTESE CROSS.

A wonderfully unusual little survivor from the Victorian era — an antique hand-carved Whitby jet pendant/charm, beautifully fashioned into the distinctive form of a Maltese cross.

Carved from glossy black jet, the cross is embellished at its centre with a wonderfully dimensional hand-carved flower, giving what could have been a rather austere piece a beautiful romantic Victorian touch. A rounded jet bead sits above the cross, completing the dramatic all-black design.

WHITBY JET
Formed from fossilised wood over millions of years and famously mined around Whitby on the Yorkshire coast of England, jet became one of the most fashionable jewellery materials of the Victorian period. Its popularity reached extraordinary heights after Queen Victoria adopted black mourning jewellery following the death of Prince Albert in 1861. Although strongly associated with mourning, jet was also worn simply as fashionable jewellery throughout the period.

The Maltese cross is an ancient emblem traditionally associated with courage, protection, honour and faith — making this little piece particularly rich in symbolism.

A RARE and beautifully gothic Victorian treasure — fabulous worn alone as a pendant, suspended from an antique fob or watch chain, or added to a charm bracelet alongside other antique curiosities. 

*chain not included*

Measurements :The pendant/charm measures 2.5cm x 1.9cm.The pendant/charm with a weight of 2.6 grams.