Some visitors to my shop can’t believe that my wonderfully chic and sleek Whitby jet beads are from the 19th century. Why ever not?

I love how marvellous they look on black. Of course, that is just exactly how they were meant to be worn …

The black and white photo shows a woman in half-mourning in Shrewsbury in the early 1870s. (I found it on page 660 of one of my reference books, Jewellery 1789-1910: The International Era – Volume II 1862-1910, by Shirley Bury.)

This statement necklace is 26 inches long and has a modern 14-carat clasp.

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• Handmade in Whitby jet with a 14-carat yellow gold clasp
• Approximately 26 inches (66cm)
• Largest bead is 22.2mm, smallest is 9.2mm
• Weight is 75 grams
• In excellent antique condition
• Will come in a Karen Deakin gift box
• Note: some of other antique jewellery is for sale separately (some has sold) – please get in touch if you’d like information about any of it

Please examine the photographs carefully – they form part of the description.

I’d be very happy to send more information and images. Layaway available.

I accept returns within 14 days if you’re not delighted with your purchase.