Objects made of jet were popular throughout Britain during the Early Bronze Age (2300-1500BC). Black spacer plate necklaces of the Early Bronze Age are among the most technically accomplished prestige items of the period in Britain and Ireland, the majority show the usage of a number of different gem hydrocarbons alongside material believed to be Whitby Jet. As the jet pieces in the necklaces are often heavily worn, it is suggested that they were treasured items that had been kept for many years, in contrast, the parts of the necklace that were made from other local materials were less worn – suggesting that they were newer replacements for broken or damaged pieces of jet. Large buttons are also common along with more challenging items from an identification perspective which are often termed “napkin-rings”.
