This is intricately carved and in excellent condition. The brooch is large and has a ‘C’ clasp typical of the period. This is genuine Whitby jet.
Deposits from around Whitby in North Yorkshire have high levels of aluminium and this produces Jet of extremely high quality. Jet has been used in the manufacture of jewellery and tokens since the bronze age.
During the reign of Queen Victoria protocol dictated that only Jet jewellery could be worn at court during periods of official mourning. 
£160