ERZURUM, Turkey
The minor gemstone Jet, which was one of the most popular stones in the 19th century, revives in eastern Turkey as the country’s jewelry trend goes 'jet-black'.
Jet is a fragile gemstone that needs to be dug out by hand, and for jewelry makers, it is difficult to create intricate and delicate carving without breaking.
Ihsan Celik, a local craftsman from the city of Erzurum, told Anadolu Agency (AA) that a wide range of goods including jewelry, rosary beads, key chains and ornaments are created out of jet after a difficult process which starts with its carving, and polishing and ends when it is finally ready for sale.
“A rosary bead, for instance, goes over ten different hands before it is ready to be woven with a special thread,” he said. “The making of rosary beads can even take a week.”
Celik also added that jet has a very strong vibrational quality and can be used to improve one’s health. “It is scientifically established that jet collects the static electricity within the human body and can therefore be used as a calming agent,” he said.
Jet is believed to help relieve pain, swelling and inflammation in the human body.
It is also widely used for spiritual advancement within New Age circles and to alleviate depression.
Because of its somber color, jet was often associated with mourning and grief during the 19th century, particularly in the Victorian era. Queen Victoria is said to have often worn jet as part of her mourning dress.
englishnews@aa.com.tr
