Victorian period gutta percha jewellery and objects (dark tree sap)

Gutta percha is a natural latex material that is derived from the sap of several tree species native to Southeast Asia. Due to its unique properties the material was widely used in the 19th century for a variety of applications, including insulation for telegraph cables, dental fillings, golf balls and in jewellery manufacture.

Gutta percha has been used in jewellery making for over a century. Its durability, malleability, and the fact that it can take on a high polish make it an ideal material for creating intricate jewellery designs.

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, gutta percha was frequently used in mourning jewellery, which was worn to commemorate the loss of a loved one. It was often moulded into intricate designs that incorporated hair, photographs, and other mementos of the deceased. Gutta percha was also used in costume jewellery and imitation gemstones, as it could be moulded and more... coloured to resemble more expensive materials like jet, onyx, and tortoiseshell.

Gutta percha is still used by some jewellery makers, particularly those who specialize in vintage or antique styles. It is also used in contemporary jewellery designs, particularly in combination with other materials like gold, silver, or semi-precious stones. Because gutta percha is a natural material, it can vary in colour and texture, which gives each jewellery creation a unique character.