We are an authorized, direct-from-the-publisher retailer of NEW books. Our titles are ON HAND and available for immediate shipping. Table of Contents This book chronicles the history of jet as a jewel in Great Britain and the rest of Europe from bronze age times to the present day. It discusses the geology and origin of jet and describes its chemical and physical properties. Jet is particularly associated with Whitby in North Yorkshire, and the author gives an account of the flourishing Whitby jet industry of the nineteenth century, including the jewellery and ornaments made during that period. The illustrations include unique photographs of the craftsmen at work. An important section on the imitations of jet and their identification will be of great interest and value to collectors and dealers. The work of modern jet carvers is also described. Jet takes such a high polish that it can be used as a mirror. The colour of jet is unique; its blackness is so intense that the expression `as black as jet' has been part of the language since the twelfth century. Jet was one of the first gems to be discovered by man. Ever since the stone age it has been made into small objects for personal adornment. To primitive men its electrical properties endowed it with magical powers and they wore it as a talisman.
The Romans were impressed by the high quality of the hard jet that they found in Yorkshire. By the third century AD they were producing rings, bracelets, necklaces, pendants, dagger handles and dice. Such artefacts have been unearthed on Roman sites all over Britain, notably at York.
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