Pair of Bracelets
PeriodCirca 1850 - 1860
Place MadeNew York or New Jersey, U.S.A.
MediumJet, gold, steel wire
Dimensions0.75 × 4 in. (1.9 × 10.2 cm)
ClassificationsAccessories, Women's
Credit LineGift of Mrs. Margaret L. Holmess, 1933
Object number382
DescriptionA pair of women's bracelets, of 19 faceted jet beads of graduated size strung on strong steel spring wire, with small circular reddish gold spacer beads between each.Curatorial RemarksJet is a form of fossilized coal and was popular in jewelry and adornments as early as the Stone Age. Jet can be polished relatively easily to a high shine, and could also be intricately carved into a variety of beads, panels, and shapes. Large deposits of good-quality jet were discovered in Whitby, England, which became the center for Great Britain's jet production. Ancient Romans were particularly fond of jet beads and ornaments, considering the black mineraloid to be a lucky charm or amulet, able to ward of snakes and hysteria. In the 19th century, jet experienced a surge of popularlity partcularly in the making of mourning jewelry. Although much jet jewelry was imported to the American colonies during the 18th century, by the early 19th century, American jewelers were able to successfully compete with their English counterparts in producing stylish jet jewelry. Jewelry-making centers including Newark, New Jersey, were known for the high quality of their products, which included jet brooches, pins, necklaces, bracelets, and rings.NotesThese boldly faceted jet and gold bracelets were owned and worn by Sarah Ann Mills Ivins. Born in 1832, Sarah Ann married Augustus Ivins in 1849 and lived in Brooklyn for many years. The bracelets may have been a wedding gift from her husband or close relative, as they date to about the time period of her marriage. The donor, Margaret Ivins Holmes, was Sarah's granddaughter and a lifelong Monmouth County resident. Margaret was married to William S. Holmes, the Association's first director/curator. Margaret Ivins Holmes was also a granddaughter of James Sterling Yard, editor of the Freehold newspaper the Democrat. She served for many years as Board of Trustees secretary for the Historical Association.
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