Item #z1
Victorian French Jet Faceted Bracelet
A wonderful example of Victorian Mourning Jewelry from a recent Estate sale, this bracelet has 1" long oval faceted beads, that are 1/2" wide. The central beads are two large 2" carved trefoil shaped oval beads with scalloped edges, and a central oval bead that measures 1" x 3/4". This bracelet measures 6 1/2" relaxed, and has a 2 1/2" diameter. Black elastic is threaded through the double side drilled holes which allow for ease in putting on and taking off. Mourning jewelry became popular during Victorian times when Queen Victoria lost her Prince Consort, Albert. She plunged into a deep mourning and the British Empire followed. Mourning jewelry became so popular that jet mines sprung up everywhere, but the demand depleated the source of real jet, and pressed black faceted glass known as 'French Jet' came into use as an alternative. French Jet was produced in the US from 1893 by the Libbey Glass Company in Ohio. It is heavier and was used mainly for beads and small items.
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Item #z2
Victorian Hexagonal French Jet Bracelet
Mourning jewelry was popular during Queen Victoria's time. Mourning accessories reached their height of popularity in England after the death of Prince Albert in December 1861. Queen Victoria went into deep mourning, which was imitated by her subjects when faced with losing those close to them. This bracelet has nine hexagonal French Jet, black glass, double side drilled beads with flat backs. This is strung on black elastic, and will fit a 6 1/2" to 8" wrist comfortably. The hexagons measure 3/4" wide, and 7/8" tall, and are 1/8" thick. This feels very smooth and cool on the wrist.
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Item #z3
Victorian Octagon Shaped French Jet Bracelet
This is another great example of Victorian mourning jewelry, a six sided or hexagonally shaped bead that is double drilled on the side. These have quite a high dome (1/2") and measure 3/4" wide. Eight of the hexagon shaped faceted beads and two rectangular and one elongated hexagon bead form this 7" bracelet. Black elastic is threaded through the double side drilled holes which allow for ease in putting on and taking off. Mourning jewelry became popular during Victorian times when Queen Victoria lost her Prince Consort, Albert. She plunged into a deep mourning and the British Empire followed. Mourning jewelry became so popular that jet mines sprung up everywhere, but the demand
depleted the source of real jet, and pressed black faceted glass known as 'French Jet' came into use as an alternative. French Jet was produced in the US from 1893 by the Libbey Glass Company in Ohio. It is heavier and was used mainly for beads and small items.
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