Banded Agate, Idar Oberstein, Vintage, Various Sizes Largest 85x7mm, Sold as a Set of 7
SKU: GMO-1054
Sale price
$60.00
Shipping calculated at checkout
Only 1 in stock
Description
- These beads are priced and sold as a set of 7 beads
- Vintage banded agate set from Idar-Oberstein representing some of the shapes this gem cutting town was famous for.
- Largest tapered cylinder is 85x8mm long
- Natural bands in agate have fascinated humans around the globe for centuries. They've been copied in glass and imitated in dzi bead reproductions.
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Idar-Oberstein in southern Germany had a long history of gem cutting even before it rose to prominence in the African bead trade during the 1800s. Rich local deposits of jasper and agates, plus flowing water to power cutting and grinding wheels made it possible for the factories expand production. The thriving businesses provided polished and faceted stones to Africa and the Middle East where they were so highly valued that some travelers referred to the beads as "African Money"