GEM NOIR : This carved pendant from Jacqueline Cullen's Gem Noir collection is made of Whitby jet, a rare type of prehistoric black fossilized wood that is found only in the coastal area of Whitby, England in a mine and along the cliffs and the shoreline. The sprinkling of black Swarovski crystals at the bottom brings an organic look to the piece, which resembles a bi, a symbol for everlasting life and the future in many Asian cultures. Adjust the necklace’s length by sliding the 18-karat gold toggle clasp. Care note: Do not wash the linen thread chain, but you can iron it to straighten.
Since discovering rare and valuable Whitby jet during her final year of studies at Central Saint Martins, Jacqueline
has been working with it exclusively. She enlists a Whitby jet supplier to collect her materials who abseils down the cliffs on a rope and
collects raw samples from the disused mines and ancient caves. The incredible metamorphosis of Whitby Jet inspires Jacqueline to represent the unpredictable and dramatic acts of nature and the result is sensitive handmade jewelry with a provenance that expresses individuality.
