Imagine the Grand Tour. How exciting! Cross the wide, salty sea to lands you’ve only read about. Or maybe you saw them first in a painting at the Athenaeum, or in an etching in a dusty book. 

But now you’re here, standing in front of the grandeur of Roman ruins. Gazing up at Greek statues. Strolling the classic British halls, the mirrored room of the French palaces.

Of course, you need something to remember your travels. The art and artisans you’re finally witnessing with your very eyes. They’ve cut the stones of the land and thoughtfully encased them in delicate gold.

An example of Grand Tour jewelry, we love this early, earthy Victorian treasure; a simple design that wears elegantly on the neck. Eight oval agate cabochons (well, one is jasper, it looks a bit like a leopard) are set in an open backed collet of 15k rosy gold. The banded agates mainly feature lovely tones of white, taupe, and pink. The chain has an applied 15kt stamp, likely added a bit later. There is a worn maker's mark on the spring ring clasp; unfortunately, we have not been able to identify the maker. 

This necklace is in excellent antique condition.  It measures 16" in length. It was made c. 1840.