A History of Jet Jewellery
Jet from Whitby is considered to be the best in the World. It has been worn as jewellery across the globe from as early as 10,000 BC but in Yorkshire, the earliest examples date from the Bronze-age. The Victorians were great admirers of Jet jewellery and it is during this period that the gemstone became a widely popular fashion accessory.
With new rail links to Whitby, the town became a very popular seaside holiday destination for early Victorians for whom a souvenir piece of Jet was a must. As the century progressed, fashions changed and clothing became heavier and more voluminous – particularly with the crinolines of the time – and these fuller designs required larger more eye-catching jewellery to match. Jet’s lightweight characteristics made it the perfect choice for large accessories – even the largest pieces could be worn in comfort.
In 1851, Jet was exhibited at the Great Exhibition and soon became coveted by a number of high profile royal persons including the Queen of Bavaria and the Empress of France. But Jet’s most prolific patron was to become Queen Victoria. When her beloved Albert died in 1861, Victoria took to wearing Jet jewellery in remembrance of him – and it soon became the etiquette to accessorise the period’s elegant mourning fashion with jewellery made from the gemstone. So much so, that the only jewellery allowed to be worn in court during the period was Jet. It was at this time that James Storr established his very own Jet Jewellery boutique and W Hamond first opened its doors to the many fashionable ladies and gentlemen of the period.
Nearly 150 years later, the company still operates from the very same boutique – nestled at the foot of the Abbey Steps on historic Church Street – providing a fascinating historical backdrop to this very special and unique gemstone. We’ve even played host to the stars of the big and small screen, appearing in several feature films and TV series over recent years.
Our online shopping facility means that even if you can’t visit us in person, there’s still an opportunity to own one of our beautifully, hand crafted designs.
