Beautiful carved jet graduated bead necklace circa 1860s.

Barrel clasp closure is enclosed in a jet bead.

Each bead is slightly different because they were all hand carved! They appear to be carved in the shape of flowers, perhaps roses.

The necklace is entirely original. It is quite unusual to find one like this, and in such good condition!

A very special piece.

About jet:

The phrase "as black as jet" was coined by William Shakespeare and is still used today to describe the deepest, darkest black.

But did you know that the phrase comes from the semi-precious gemstone of the same name?

Jet is essentially fossilized wood, formed when prehistoric trees, similar to today's Monkey Puzzle trees, sank to the bottom of the sea or a river and became pressurized, resulting in a hardened, organic gemstone after millions of years.

Jet can be found all over the world, and carved pieces have been discovered at bronze-age mound burial sites, but it came to the height of its "modern" popularity during the Victorian era.

Queen Victoria began wearing jet jewelry when Prince Albert died in 1861, making it a highly desirable material for mourning pieces, as well.

Measurements

22" long

Condition

Lovely condition with minor wear from age. One bead near the clasp as a small chip. This is not at all noticeable when worn.

This item is sold from a vintage boutique in Houston, TX.