Tuesday, June 14, 2011

Object of the Day: An Antique Moss Agate Stickpin

Also called “Mocha Stone,” Moss Agate refers specifically to a kind of agate found in the U.S., especially Montana. However, the term is also loosely used to describe a type of agate found throughout the United Kingdom which figured prominently into jewelry designs. In this instance, “moss agate” is any type of agate with earthy coloring which looks almost like moss. It’s especially popular in the jewelry of Scotland and was often used for gentlemen’s accessories.


This moss agate stickpin is decidedly Victorian. Set in ten karat gold, the stone speaks for itself with its deep green veins. This would have been the perfect accessory for a day of hunting and shooting or even a garden party. Agates were a far more casual alternative to faceted stones, but nonetheless elegant.



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