A Near Eastern Banded Agate Bead set as a pendant, ca. 1st millennium BCE

With its extra-fine bands set in a soft matrix of white and orange-brown, this agate was highly prized in ancient times for its scarcity and beauty.  

Known as the earths rainbow, agate was used as healing amulets and ornamentation dating back to ancient Babylon. The ancient Egyptians discovered it in pebble form and used it for protection.  Ancient agate was used as a talisman to improve attention to detail, increase positivity, bring good luck and awaken a sense of adventure.   Use it to balance emotional, physical and intellectual energy, and harmonize yin and yang, the positive and negative forces of the universe.

Set as a pendant on a 20" sterling silver chain.

Condition:  Expected signs of wear that do not detract, intact and in very good condition overall.  A lovely example.

Provenance:  Private English collection, acquired in the 1960s and then by descent.