HOT ! Victorian Whitby Jet Athena Bracelet

A striking antique Whitby Jet bracelet dating from the Victorian period, circa 1870. It features a large, delicately carved shell cameo depicting Athena, the ancient Greek goddess of Wisdom and War. As a warrior goddess and protector of cities, she was closely associated with Nike, goddess of victory, with the two forming the cult of Athena Nike which was prominent in ancient Athens with a temple dedicated to the goddesses on the Acropolis. She was the goddess of good council, to kings and warrior-heroes alike, encouraging prudent restraint and practical insight. She was also the patron of artisans, craftsmen, and the household handicrafts such as spinning and weaving.

The bracelet itself is formed of Whitby Jet, a type of fossilised wood, approximately 180 million years old, from the monkey puzzle tree. It\'s light and easy to carve, which made it a popular choice for large-scale mourning jewellery like this, and, following the death of Albert in 1861, demand skyrocketed as Queen Victorian entered a period of mourning that lasted for the rest of her life (famously wearing only black). The majority of the jet used in Victorian mourning jewellery was mined in the little town of Whitby on the craggy cliffs of Yorkshire. 

Era: Victorian, circa 1870

Head: 5.0cm by 4.2cm

Internal Dimensions: 4.2cm by 4.5cm

Internal Circumference: 13.5cm

Stone: Whitby Jet & Bull\'s Mouth Shell

Condition: Great antique condition; a small chip to one corner of the shoulder