Antique Victorian Hand-carved Bog Oak and Whitby Jet Mourning Brooch

Offered here is a remarkable antique Victorian Bog Oak Whitby Jet mourning brooch. The base is hand-carved bog oak with five whitby jet orbs peg set into the base. Only the tops are faceted. The five whitby jet are graduated in size with the largest being 13mm tapering to 11mm and finally the smallest spheres measure 9mm.

The brooch is approximately 3 1/8 inch long x 1 1/8 inch wide. Bog oak was used to make mourning jewelry beginning in the early 1860s. It is oak or pine that was fossilized after being preserved in an Irish peat bog for thousands of years. It is a durable, lightweight material.

It can be identifyed by its deep brown/black color, its wood grain, and matte finish. Whitby jet is also fossilized wood but it comes from Whitby in Yorkshire, England. It has been submerged for millions of years. It is also carved but it takes a high polish.

The brooch is in good antique condition with light wear. The pin is bent but the c-clasp holds well. The jet has chips and fleabites from age and usage but no excessive wear. It is an excellent example of Victorian mourning jewelry made from Whitby jet and bog oak.