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Large Antique Victorian-era Whitby JET Brooch/Pin

with Genuine Shell Cameo of the 3 Graces c.1860-70

Lovely very large smooth polished Whitby Jet Mourning brooch with inset genuine shell cameo of the 3 Graces . The JET is in immaculate condition; with only a small chip at 1:00 seen at the front portion of the brooch. Cameo also in great shape without any stress fractures. Rear pin mechanism with tube-hinge, c-clasp and extended pin-stem all look original to the piece . Also has a safety pin/chain for added security!

This was purchased by me in London from an older woman who claims to have grown up near Whitby Abbey. She assured me that it is indeed, Whitby Jet. I can confirm that it is genuine JET, but cannot be sure that it is WHITBY JET. I have handled many pieces of mourning jewelry: jet, pressed horn, vulcanite etc. and do believe this is Whitby Jet.

The 3 Graces In Greek mythology , are the three goddesses of joy, charm, and beauty. The daughters of the god Zeus and the nymph Eurynome, they were named Aglaia (Splendor), Euphrosyne (Mirth), and Thalia (Good Cheer). The Graces presided over banquets, dances, and all other pleasurable social events, and brought joy and goodwill to both gods and mortals. They were the special attendants of the divinities of love, Aphrodite and Eros, and together with companions, the Muses, they sang to the gods on Mount Olympus, and danced to beautiful music that the god Apollo made upon his lyre. In some legends Aglaia was wed to Hephaestus, the craftsman among the gods. Their marriage explains the traditional association of the Graces with the arts; like the Muses, they were believed to endow artists and poets with the ability to create beautiful works of art. The Graces were rarely treated as individuals, but always together as a kind of triple embodiment of grace and beauty. In art they are usually represented as lithe young maidens, dancing in a circle.

Measures 2" (L) x 1.50" (W)

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