A Gold and Agate Neo-Classical Pendant by Phillips of Cockspur Street,

in the form of a large banded cabochon agate, framed by a circular gold mount embellished
with wirework and granulation, from which is suspended a carved agate bead in the form
of a classical urn with gold detailing, a compartment for a photograph or memento to the
reverse. Signed to the loop.

Phillips of Cockspur Street
London, 1880

7.5cm in length

£6,850

C W King wrote about the symbolic meaning of stones and mentions the Sardonyx agate in his work. The Victorians were very aware of the hidden meanings of gemstones. King refers to the eleventh century monk Marbode, when he talks about agates. He says that they were considered to be emblematic of the three cardinal virtues; black for humility, white for chastity and red/brown for modesty (refer to page pg 155 of 'Jewellery in the Age of Queen Victoria: A Mirror to the World' by Charlotte Gere and Judy Rudoe).