These very pretty 925 sterling silver Art Nouveau style drop earrings have a carefully hand-shaped piece of best quality Whitby jet as their centrepiece. They hang about 30mm (1¼ inches) below the solid silver earwire and are 14mm (just over ½ inch) at their widest point. These earrings have been crafted by guest designer “Glittermoth Factory” who lives and works in Whitby. She can often be found looking for pieces of sea-washed jet on the beaches in and around the town.

Whitby Jet is an anaerobic fossil of the tree Araucaria (very similar to the “monkey puzzle” trees we see today). It is a product of high pressure decomposition of the wood which became embedded in sedimentary rock some 180 – 200 million years ago during the early Jurassic period. Jet is available worldwide but Whitby Jet is considered the finest quality. The “gemstone” was made popular by Queen Victoria, worn when she was in mourning.

Jet is a mineral of protection and is said to ward off evil spirits, negativity and depression. Just like the original tree, jet has qualities of balance and support. It is also thought to be good for finance, business and all kinds of personal abundance. My blog “What’s With Whitby Jet?” explains more about this unique fossil.

The earrings come in a gift bag that includes the descriptive enclosure (photographed) which tells the new owner of this one-off jewellery all about its qualities. A complementary polishing cloth is also included.