With a history spanning more than 150 years, W Hamond is famed for being the Original Whitby Jet Shop celebrated for transforming the unique black gemstone into coveted pieces of jewellery. Local man James Storr opened the doors to the original boutique in 1860, a time when the height of the town`s Whitby Jet jewellery and ornament production was at its greatest. It was also during this era that Queen Victoria became the gemstone`s most distinguished patron, wearing the jet-black gemstone to mourn the loss of her beloved Albert in 1861.