Agua Nueva Agate Pendant Necklace in Sterling Silver
This is a exceptionally beautiful specimen of Agua Nueva agate. The best pieces of this material are known for incredible color and intricate patterning, and this one has both. Rich burgundy, ochre, golden yellow and lavender come together in bold bands and rounded formations that feel almost psychedelic. There’s something wonderfully 60s about the pattern, like a fabulous vintage textile or graphic print, except every bit of it was created inside the stone.
The clean bezel leaves all of that color uninterrupted, while polished silver droplets form a almost lacey looking fringe beneath the stone. The handmade hinged bail gives the pendant an articulated connection to the chain, a small construction detail that makes the design that much more interesting. On the reverse, the silver is patterned with a texture that complements the natural patterning of the stone on the front.
Agua Nueva agate comes from Chihuahua, Mexico and is highly collectible for the remarkable banding, orbs and range of colors found in better specimens. This is an especially nice example of the material, with the saturated color and crisp, complex patterning collectors look for. Agate also has a long history as a talisman, stretching back thousands of years, and is traditionally associated with protection, stability and balance.
✧ Stone: Agua Nueva agate
✧ Pendant Size: Approximately 1¾ inches long × just over 1 inch wide
✧ Metal: Sterling silver and fine silver
✧ Chain: Sterling silver oval-link chain
✧ Length: 18 inches adjustable to 20 inches with extension chain
✧ Closure: Lobster claw clasp
✧ Details: Handmade hinged bail and patterned backplate
One-of-a-kind and made with care in my studio.