Carved from Whitby jet (fossilized driftwood found along England’s Yorkshire coast) this heart-shaped padlock dates to around 1880 - the height of Victorian mourning culture. Jet was prized for its deep, matte black sheen and was often used in sentimental or memorial jewelry. This piece, shaped like a heart and fitted with a functioning padlock clasp, would have been worn to signal both love and loss.
MATERIALS: Whitby jet, steel
AGE: c. 1880
CONDITION: Very good
SIZE: 2" x 1 1/8"