1854 Scottish Agate Bangle
An attractive, and somewhat unusual, antique bangle dating from the 1850s. Although it was hallmarked in the Birmingham assay office, it's almost certainly Scottish - set with four coloured agates panels and three faceted Cairngorm citrines. The stones, sourced in various localities around Scotland, are set in 9ct rose gold with gorgeous engraved embellishments incorporating Celtic designs.
Scottish "pebble" jewellery became popular during the 19th century, after queen Victoria bought the Balmoral estate in 1848, and took a liking to the distinctive style of jewellery. Characterised by its use of the interesting and colourful agates found throughout Scotland (the stones sourced by collectors who scoured the highlands and eastern coastlines, always on the lookout for new deposits) then cut and shaped by innovative, and highly skilled, lapidaries. 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, and the stones were usually set in silver - meaning this gold example is something of a rarity.
Era: Victorian, 1854
Inner dimensions: 5.6cm by 4.9cm
Inner circumference: 6.5 inches
Width of band: 10.5mm
Stones: Cairngorm citrine and various agates (jasper, bloodstone, etc.)
Hallmarks: Birmingham, 9ct gold, 1864
Condition: Great antique condition with light antique patina
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)
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Resizing
Ring sizing is available on most rings
£35 flat fee
Resizing takes 7-14 days
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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.
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