My understanding is that jet is made from wood - is it petrified wood? I should do some research to be certain. I know that the trade in jet jewels in the UK was centered in Yorkshire, but I am not sure why.
When I was younger and naive, I always assumed that jet had a sparkle like "Austrian crystals", but that is not so, alas. No wonder Queen Mary was said to loathe jet. It is dull, even though the beads are faceted.
--Previous Message-- : : I was just thinking about what jet actually : is as a gem or jewel. : : It seems it is from wood but I have not : found very much at all about it. : : : --Previous Message-- : Thank you so much for providing this link : Nellie. I didn't have time to explore it : this morning, nor have I fully done so, but : I am finding it absorbing. : : I had never previously realised that the : Darnley jewel was considered a mourning : jewel. Many thanks for introducing me to : this aspect, and no doubt many other : interesting items of jewellery in this link. : : --Previous Message-- : : This link to the Royal Collection provides : some details of rings in particular which : they have in the collection. : : I have always thought that jet was the : principal "gem" for the deep : mourning phase. : : : : : http://www.royalcollection.org.uk/collection-search/mourning%2520jewels?solrsort=&f=&items=32&display=image : : --Previous Message-- : : : : : http://online.wsj.com/articles/in-new-york-a-show-of-vintage-mourning-clothes-1413574424 : : Showing the details --and some of Queen : Alexandra's dresses. She wore mourning : after her oldest son's death for the rest of : her life. : : Jet, onyx and amethysts would be mourning : jewels, yes? : : : : : :