A wonderful historic pair of Whitby Jet torpedo drop earrings.
Whitby Jet, desired for its wonderful black colour and intense lustre when polished, is formed from fossilised wood of the Monkey Puzzle trees. The Monkey Puzzle trees grew over 150 million years ago, with the Whitby jet historically being mined in Whitby, England.The material is light and easily carved and manipulated into desirable shapes - it saw great revival during the mourning jewellery age of mid to late 1800s.
The Whitby Jet torpedo earrings are hand carved and detailed with a running Greek Key patterning.The continuous, interlocking Greek Key pattern symbolises infinity and unity.
The Victorian hand carved Whitby Jet torpedo and round beads were reset, possibly in the 1920s, onto 835 silver post stud earring fittings. The original gold bead caps are still present on the round bead section.
The earrings are lightweight and sway beautifully in wear, with a perfect drop of 59mm.
