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During part of the Victorian period from about 1860 to 1890, jet jewelry was the height of fashion and black was a stylish color, not just an ornament of mourning. Made of jet, vulcanite, bog oak or pressed horn, each carried special meaning as a memento of a loved one. A brooch in the shape of a hand carrying a bouquet conveyed a message symbolized by the flowers. Photos might be housed inside lockets and watch fobs, and portraits hand painted on pendants and earrings. While some black jewelry was meant to be worn during mourning, black jewelry was fashionable as well, and worn for its beauty and sentiment.

JET is the black fossilized wood of a particular tree that grew millions of years ago. It is particularly associated with the English town of Whitby where much of it was fashioned into jewelry and accessories. While jet was made into jewelry throughout the 1800s, it was especially fashionable between 1860 and 1890. Like amber, it will pick up paper when static is created by rubbing it on wool or silk. It is difficult to carve so amazing to see what the master jet carvers fashioned from it.

REFERENCE INFORMATION
For more information about JET and other Victorian black jewelry we recommend the excellent book Jet by Helen Muller. And a NEW book on Jet Jewellery is scheduled to be published in 2009 so be sure to watch for it.

Victorian Jet Earrings for sale can be seen by clicking HERE.

REBAJES
Frank (Francisco Torres) Rebajes was a mid-century modern jewelry maker in Greenwich, New York and later at 377 5th Avenue from 1937-1960s and his work was included in the famous "Messengers of Modernism Show". Rebajes was both a Bohemian and a successful entrepreneur and his designs, while reflecting ethnic motifs, we all original to him. He made not only jewelry but plates, candlesticks, house wares and other decorative objects. In the first few years he fashioned his pieces himself, but his popularity enabled him to hire a staff to bring his designs to life. Rebajes also worked in silver and, very rarely, in copper with enameling, brass and even gold. He occasionally used objects from nature with his copper. During the Korean War some larger copper pieces were also lined in aluminum for ease of wear.

RENOIR COPPER
Jerry Fels and two partners started the Renoir company in Hollywood, California, in 1946. Originally named "Renoir of Hollywood" the name was changed in about 1948 to "Renoir of California". During the Korean War copper and aluminum were used together for a brief time. The mark "Hand Made Renoir of California" was used from 1952-1954, and "Renoir" was used thereafter. "Matisse" was introduced in 1952, with the lovely enamel on copper look. After 1954 pieces bore the copyright mark. In the mid-50s Renoir also did sterling silver jewelry and that line was named "Sauteur". Renoir was closed in 1964.

MATISSE RENOIR COPPER & ENAMEL
 "Matisse" was introduced by Jerry Fels of Renoir in 1952, with the lovely enamel on copper look. After 1954 pieces bore the copyright mark. In the mid-50s Renoir also did sterling silver jewelry and that line was named "Sauteur". Renoir and Matisse Companies were closed in 1964.

Copper Jewelry is for sale HERE.

And a gallery of it can be seen HERE.

http://www.morninggloryjewelry.com/