Outlets Torpedo Earrings with Cone

This item is handmade by Beth Miller outlets Hall and cast from a mold taken from an original in her collection. Any minor flaws are consistent with the original item.

Most jet jewelry was made from many small pieces that are expertly fitted together. This allowed several craftsmen of varying skill sets to work on a piece simultaneously which greatly reduced the already extensive labor time. In addition, that meant that each person working could stay within his particular area of expertise.

The jet itself is “mined”, though not in the way we typically think of being mined underground. Trees en masse which have been subject to floods are uprooted and washed into either salt water or fresh water collection basins. As time passes and pressure ensues, the trees and their roots would become hard and durable. Then, as the coastal land erodes, they become visible in the cliffs and oftentimes even break off themselves and land on the beaches. It is legal in every country except England to mine jet.

Salt water basins yield a harder jet than fresh water basins. It can be carved, chiseled, etched and finely polished to a high gloss finish that will retain its shine for many years. “Whitby Jet” is the jet that has been collected near the coastal town of Whitby, England. The jet that comes from this area is well known for its quality and strength.

Since jet must be carved, there will often be sections that are clearly undercut or etched. Jet jewelry is costly because of the labor involved to produce each piece and also because of mining restrictions.

The original of this piece is Whitby Jet. These earrings, because of their origin, would have been highly treasured – although they are universal enough for everyday wear.

The style of carving and the shape are very common in jet earrings of the mid-nineteenth century. The carving on the earring dangle will often include leaf shapes. The carving itself is done using a grinding wheel. The tip is pointed—like a torpedo.

Suitable for Mid-Victorian impressions, provided your impression is one that could afford jet.

We ship USPS First Class Mail twice per week. US shipping only at this time.

All sales final. Please ask any questions prior to purchasing.

Thank you for your interest!