Jet is a genuinely ancient organic gemstone — fossilized wood, not mineral — and these 12mm rounds give you a substantial, deeply black bead with real material history behind it. If you want presence without color, jet delivers it.
The surface is a natural, organic black — not dyed, not coated — so the depth and subtle variation you see is inherent to the material itself.
Specifications
- Size: 12 mm
- Color: Jet
- Material: Jet
What to make with them
At 12mm, these rounds are built for statement work: think chunky single-strand necklaces, Victorian-inspired mourning jewelry, or bold knotted designs where each bead carries visual weight on its own. They also anchor mixed-material pieces well alongside sterling silver or oxidized metals.
Description
Jet is one of only five organic (once living) gemstones recognized by the International Commission of Colored Gemstone (CIBJO), the other four are Ammolite, Amber, Pearl and Coral. Jet is a form of lignite coal, which is the result of high pressure decomposition of wood from the Jurassic and Cretaceous periods. It is similar in weight, warmth and feel to Amber, and was in fact, once believed to be Black Amber. Jet jewelry has been found dating as far back as 17,000 BC. It was popular in Roman times, in the Victorian era, as well as in the 1920's. Jet is attributed numerous healing and protective properties including protection from the evil eye and strengthening psychic awareness through the first chakra. Jet becomes electronically charged when rubbed against silk or wool, and smells of coal when touched with a burning hot needle.
- MaterialJet
- Color FamilyGreys and Blacks
- Size12 mm
- Gemstone TypeJet
- Mineral FamilyOrganic (Jet)
- BirthstoneJanuary (unofficial); December (unofficial)
- Zodiac AssociationCapricorn
- Chakra AssociationRoot