A Whitby jet brooch carved as a hand holding a rose — the cuff of the hand detailed, the rose rendered with botanical precision, the jet working at its finest. This is a subject that combines two of the most charged symbols in Victorian mourning and sentimental jewellery: the hand, representing friendship, faith and connection; and the rose, representing love and beauty even in the context of loss.
Whitby jet — fossilised araucaria wood mined from the North Yorkshire cliffs — was the material of Victorian mourning jewellery par excellence. At its best, as here, it rewarded the carver with a surface that took fine detail with exceptional fidelity.
Very good condition. No chips or damage.
Era: Victorian, c.1880
Material: Whitby jet
Dimensions: To be completed
Weight: To be completed
