The custom of using jet and imitation-jet as mourning jewelry was made popular (a fad) in 19th C. England, when Queen Victoria's husband, Albert, Prince Consort, passed away (1861); and she remained in mourning clothes and jewels for quite a few years. This was probably not entirely new as a concept, but became routine (as her style was copied by many women)—and has remained so well into the 20th C.

Faceted glass seedbeads that imitate jet have been made for centuries. Mostly in Bohemia—where they were exported to France. In France they were used to embellish stylish clothes for women, for mourning, and for theater costumes.

The Czechs make a lot of black faceted products besides seedbeads. There are lots of larger beads—some being molded, or molded-and-cut. Some are solid and some are hollow. The color is typically saturated violet. ("The best black.") However I have beads that seem identically black—but in strong light, some are red and some green. They make flat elements with multiple perforations, that were used as bracelets. And there are many different flat/faceted elements that were made to be sewn-down. In popular marketing, these are sometimes called "nail heads." Some are also buttons. In the beadwork category, there have been many beaded handbags that feature or include "jet beads."

I have collected all this stuff since the early '70s—though I would not say I have an extensive collection. But I bought some nice spheroidal faceted Czech beads as recently as a few months ago. Beadwork pieces are often available at second-hand stores, garage sales, estate sales, and from sellers who specialize in this stuff.

Jamey