Dendritic agate – a pale chalcedony with treelike inclusions caused by traces of iron or manganese – is a relatively lowly stone but was a favourite of Russian jewellers in particular. Carl Fabergé used it in many pieces in a country where it is considered a stone of longevity, good health and prosperity.
Three late 19th century agate brooches with rose-cut diamond surrounds formed part of Fellows’ (20% buyer’s premium) sale in Birmingham on June 8. Judging by the fitted boxes sold with each lot, the vendor had acquired them from leading London jewellers.
The circular example pictured here in a fitted Wartski case had Russian marks (the clasp marked AH – perhaps for one of the three Finnish-born workmasters who used these initials) sold at £3100 (estimate £2800-3200) despite a replacement fitting, while another oval-shaped brooch in a Tessier case took £1600 (estimate £1200-1800). A third oval brooch with a border of diamond accents took £1700 (estimate £1500-2000).