necklaces
Object numberM2010/016
Titlenecklaces
DescriptionBeaded necklace, possibly jet
Jet is a flat-black, opaque gemstone formed from wood subjected to extreme compression over millions of years. Popular throughout the Victorian era, it was often used in jewelry that reflected a wearer’s social standing, wealth, or emotional state, particularly in mourning adornments.
This necklace was donated by Beate Hammett, who described it as a mourning necklace, though such a custom is not part of Jewish tradition. The piece originally belonged to her mother, Lina Beer, of Hammerstein, West Prussia, and later passed to Beate through her aunt. Beate wore the necklace as regular ornamentation.
Beate Hammett (nee Beer) was born 9 May 1929, in Berlin, the only child of Alex and Alice Beer. Her father was the Chief Architect of the Berlin Jewish Community. Prompted by the destruction of the Prinzregentenstrasse Synagogue in Berlin, on 9 November 1938, Beate’s parents made arrangements for her to travel with the kindertransport to Britain. At the age of 9, she was sent to England. In April 1939, her new life began, commencing with a train journey and then three days on the S.S. Manhattan, the American liner which docked the children in Southampton. Beate spent the war years with a foster family in Bridgnorth, Shropshire. After the war, she immigrated to Sydney, arriving 10 November 1947. Her father was deported to Theresienstadt in March 1943 and was murdered 8 May 1944. Her mother, Alice, died in Berlin in November 1941. Beate immigrated to Australia in 1947, aged 18.
Jet is a flat-black, opaque gemstone formed from wood subjected to extreme compression over millions of years. Popular throughout the Victorian era, it was often used in jewelry that reflected a wearer’s social standing, wealth, or emotional state, particularly in mourning adornments.
This necklace was donated by Beate Hammett, who described it as a mourning necklace, though such a custom is not part of Jewish tradition. The piece originally belonged to her mother, Lina Beer, of Hammerstein, West Prussia, and later passed to Beate through her aunt. Beate wore the necklace as regular ornamentation.
Beate Hammett (nee Beer) was born 9 May 1929, in Berlin, the only child of Alex and Alice Beer. Her father was the Chief Architect of the Berlin Jewish Community. Prompted by the destruction of the Prinzregentenstrasse Synagogue in Berlin, on 9 November 1938, Beate’s parents made arrangements for her to travel with the kindertransport to Britain. At the age of 9, she was sent to England. In April 1939, her new life began, commencing with a train journey and then three days on the S.S. Manhattan, the American liner which docked the children in Southampton. Beate spent the war years with a foster family in Bridgnorth, Shropshire. After the war, she immigrated to Sydney, arriving 10 November 1947. Her father was deported to Theresienstadt in March 1943 and was murdered 8 May 1944. Her mother, Alice, died in Berlin in November 1941. Beate immigrated to Australia in 1947, aged 18.
Production placeGermany
SubjectPre-war life, death, mourning
Object namejewellery
Dimensions
- length: 450.00 mm
Credit lineSydney Jewish Museum Collection, Donated by Ms Beate Hammett