Discover the charm of Whitby Jet, a gemstone with a regal history that continues to captivate visitors to Whitby, Yorkshire. Once adorned by Queen Victoria herself, Whitby Jet is a sought-after souvenir, embodying both the town's rich heritage and the timeless elegance of Victorian mourning jewelry.
Whitby Jet, a lustrous black gemstone, has its origins in the Jurassic Period, around 180 million years ago. During this era, the area now known as the North Yorkshire Coast and the North Yorkshire Moors was submerged under tropical waters. The rivers carried monkey-puzzle trees (Araucaria araucana) from the land to the sea floor, where they were eventually buried under layers of sediment. Over millions of years, these trees underwent a transformation, compressed and fossilized into what we now recognize as Whitby Jet.
The shifting of land over time exposed seams of these fossilized trees along the coastline near Whitby, from Staithes to Robin Hood’s Bay. This discovery led to the establishment of numerous jet mines, which became a significant source of employment for locals. The jet industry saw a boom in the 1800s with the advent of lathes, and by 1873, there were 200 workshops with around 1,500 men crafting Whitby Jet into various items.
In its unpolished state, Whitby Jet may appear dull and can range from brown to black in color. It is relatively light due to its wooden origins and can be easily scratched. However, once polished, it reveals a stunning sheen and becomes warm to the touch, making it a desirable material for jewelry and carvings.
The fashion for Whitby Jet soared after the death of Prince Albert in 1861, when Queen Victoria chose it as her mourning jewelry. It quickly became a symbol of both style and respectability during periods of mourning at the Royal Court.
The Pannett Park Museum in Whitby, UK, houses an impressive collection of Whitby Jet jewelry and carvings. Among the most exquisite pieces are two chess boards, meticulously designed and carved by John Sherwood over four years, and a detailed jet model of Whitby Abbey. Visitors can also admire a variety of brooches, pendants, and even bible covers.
Today, Whitby's East Side is home to numerous shops specializing in jet jewelry, attracting tourists and the Goth community alike, especially during the Whitby Goth Weekends. Hunting for Whitby Jet on the beach remains a popular pastime, though it's important to note that shiny black pieces are likely coal, while genuine jet leaves a brown streak when scratched on a hard surface. The lighter the streak, the higher the quality of the jet.
For those interested in learning more about this unique gemstone, the Whitby Museum and the Whitby Jet Heritage Centre offer a wealth of information and exhibits on Whitby Jet's fascinating history and enduring legacy.
