Victorian Scottish Agate Bracelet
Charming antique bracelet made in Scotland during the latter half of the 19th century. It's formed from truncated semi-circles of banded agate, alternating pairs and single pieces secured with silver pins, with a silver heart padlock clasp featuring a small locket compartment on the reverse. An ingenious design that showcases the striking colour bands - black, white, and brown - to stunning effect. Note the unusual directional plane used to cut the agate set into the padlock... it's like some '60s psychedelic shit.
Scottish "pebble" jewellery became popular during the 19th century, after queen Victoria (supposedly) took a liking to the style. Characterised by its use of the interesting and colourful agates found throughout Scotland, the stones sourced by collectors who scoured the highlands and eastern coasts, always on the lookout for new deposits, then cut and shaped by highly skilled and innovative lapidaries, before they were usually set in silver. The gem cutters of Edinburgh's 'New Town' produced the majority of the work, peaking in the 1870s when the number of people employed in jewellery manufacture is said to have exceeded two thousand.
Era: Victorian, circa 1870
Length: 6.5 inches
Width: 1.6cm
Clasp: 2.8cm by 1.8cm
Stones: Banded agate (polycrystalline quartz)
Marks: None, tested as sterling silver
Condition: Good overall condition. A few of the stones are chipped, and there's an old repair to one where the pin is attached - see images
Full appraisal document provided with each item
This includes a valuation for insurance purposes, item specifics, date, and origins (where applicable)
Gemstones are tested by an accredited gemmologist (Cert GA, Gemmological Association of Great Britain)
Shipping
Express shipping is free of charge and carbon offset
Tracked and insured with signature on delivery
UPS Express (International)
RM Special Delivery (UK domestic)
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Resizing
Ring sizing is available on most rings
£35 flat fee
Resizing takes 7-14 days
Leave a note at checkout with your desired size
Note: sizing may remove some of the patina (although we take every care to reduce this where possible)
Layaway
A 25% deposit will be taken to secure the item. The remaining balance will be settled in 90 days. You can pay installments weekly, monthly, or the full balance at the end - whatever works.
Condition
We offer detailed and accurate condition reports on each listing. These pieces are antique, vintage, or pre-loved, often over 100 years old so they're going to have lived a life. A healthy patina and the odd scuff/scrape are quite normal... it's part of their charm! Everything we present has been checked over by our jeweller and should be good for wear for many years to come (unless otherwise stated) but please remember to treat them with appropriate care and consideration for their age.
More Questions?
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alex@lostowl.jewelry