Antique Victorian Banded Agate Bead Necklace - Natural Graduated - Scotch Pebble Jewellery c1870 - A1981

Summary

A Victorian banded agate bead necklace c1870, strung with natural hand-polished graduated beads on a double-threaded cord, the banding varying across each stone.

Description

The beads are cut and hand polished from natural banded agate, graduating from 7.9mm at the ends to 17mm at the centre. The banding is entirely random - no two beads read the same - which is one of the reasons it make such an interesting display. The cord is double threaded and hand knotted.

The clasp is a sterling silver spring ring.  The jump rings are brass, consistent with the original Victorian fittings. Victorian banded agate necklaces of this quality are becoming increasingly scarce.

Banded agate has been collected and worked in Scotland since at the late 18th century, the material gathered from beaches and riverbeds along the east coast - Montrose, Usan, the Angus shoreline - where wave action exposes nodules weathered from the surrounding volcanic rock. The Scots called it Scotch pebble, and by the Victorian period the term had become a mark of quality: agate jewellery set in gold or silver, worn as a quiet declaration of national identity at a time when Highland romanticism was at its height.

Condition

Beads generally good with minor wear. The odd bead has some light surface chipping, nothing that affects the overall appearance. Spring ring working correctly.

Approximate Measurements

Length : 62cm (24.5 inches)
Material : Natural banded agate
Weight : 134 grams

Stock Code: A1981 MY24-2

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