19th century, Amazigh (Berber), Morocco
Agate, glass and resin charms of this shape are very traditional hair ornaments among the Amazigh people in Morocco. The amber color is also very desirable and traditional as amber is very revered. This gorgeous agate hair charm is more unusual in color in that it fades into white with dark brown spots and strips like a wild cat. It has beautiful wear and patina and is a perfect heirloom piece. The gold bead is from Rissani, Southern Morocco. Jewels has only one person that takes the midnight bus to this remote region to find these little gems. It’s a dying art: the gold work, the journey, the lifestyle. Jewels designed the necklace to wrap the charm and bead with sterling wire, an embelisment in keeping with the old world.
One of a kind
Agate hair charm: just under 1 5/8 x 1″
Sterling chain: 28.5″