Antique Victorian 22" Graduated Black Bead Necklace with Carved Rounds | Mourning Jewelry

Dating to the late 1890s or so, may I offer this 22" strand of faceted and carved jet beads. With a brass colored spring clasp closure, the beads are hand strung on a piece of black thread - this should probable be replaced very soon. The strand is graduated and features (1/4" to 9/16" long) faceted ovals and 1/2" rounds as well as (2) two 5/8" carved rounds. The faceted surface of each bead catches the light when worn, giving a rich appearance to the deep black jet. When worn, the necklace has a very substantial look, weighty like black glass! For mourning, for everyday wear, this is a stunning necklace.

RE JET: Jet is a black fossilized wood (other theories believe it to be a form of coal or sap similar to amber) found in may countries including France, Spain, the United States, Turkey, China, Germany, India, Poland and Russia. It is formed when wood would fall into stagnant water and then fossilize, similar to the way that coal was made. There are generally two recognized types: soft and hard jet. It is believed that the soft jet was formed in fresh water and the hard in salt water. When her beloved Prince Albert died, Queen Victoria bought and wore masses of jet. As a result, the jet trade received much publicity and entered a boom period moving far beyond simple mourning.

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