.... What is Jet?
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We frequently use the term "jet black", particularly with jewellery, but what is "jet"?
Jet is a geological material. It`s not considered a true mineral but rather a mineraloid derived from decaying wood under extreme pressure and thus organic.
The English word-name "jet" derives from the French word for the same material "jaiet".
Most people recognise jet as being black, but it can also be dark brown and can contain pyrite inclusions which are a brassy colour with a metallic lustre.
The adjective "jet-black" is better-known to many perhaps than the actual substance from which the descriptive phrase derives.
Jet is a product of high pressure decomposition of wood from millions of years ago. It is found in two forms, hard and soft. Hard jet is the result of carbon compression and salt water. Soft jet is the result of carbon compression and fresh water.
Jet is easily polished and has been used in the manufacture of beautiful jewellery for a very long time. According to the Whitby Museum (in Whitby, North Yorkshire, UK), dating from as far back as 10,000BC in parts of contemporary Germany.
Jet as a gem material was highly popular during the reign of Queen Victoria (1837-1901) during which time the Queen wore Whitby jet as part of her mourning dress. Jet was popular for mourning jewellery because of its sombre colour and modest appearance and it has traditionally been fashioned into rosaries for monks.
In the United States long necklaces of jet beads were very popular during the 1920s, the "Roaring Twenties". Women and in particular "flappers" often wore several long strands of jet beads stretching from the neckline to beyond the waist. "Flappers" was the name given to young women who were considered "brash" for wearing excessive makeup, smoking, drinking, driving cars and generally showing their distain for what was then considered acceptable behaviour. Bobbed hair, short dresses and listening to the new Jazz music were all seen as flouting conventional social "norms".
In these necklaces the jet was strung using heavy cotton thread and small knots were made on either side of each bead to keep the beads spaced evenly much in the same way that fine pearl necklaces are made.
Jet has also been known as black amber as it may induce an electric charge like that of amber when rubbed and powdered jet added to water or wine was once believed to have medicinal powers.
Although much less popular now, authentic jet jewels are valued by collectors.
Anthracite (hard coal) and vulcanite are similar materials that have been used to imitate fine jet. These imitations are not always easy to distinguish from the real thing. Unlike black glass which is cool to the touch, jet is not due to its lesser thermal conductivity. Also the structure of jet (which is remarkably like the wood that it is derived from) can be seen under 120X or greater microscopes.
So "jet" is a mineraloid ....... and "jet" black beads will always be popular, even if the "jet" is actually glass!
www.the-handmade-jewellery-shop.com
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