{"product_id":"antique-banded-agate-idar-oberstein-beads-short-strand-rita-okrent-collection-c201a","title":"Antique Banded Agate Idar Oberstein Beads, Short Strand - Rita Okrent Collection (C201a)","description":"\u003cp\u003eA strand of antique banded agate beads made in Idar-Oberstein, Germany, from Rita design room. Includes two long agate bicones, three larger cylinders, and four smaller cylinders, along with a smoky glass bicone and a small fluted black-and-white glass bead. A mix of white, brown, black, and gray, with fabulous banded markings.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhy We Love It\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eOld banded cylinders from Idar-Oberstein are rare to find, especially in these small sizes\u003cbr\u003eGood translucency and color throughout, with crisp, well-defined banding\u003cbr\u003eLots of design inspiration in one short strand\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eProvenance: Idar Oberstein, Germany (from Rita's design room).\u003cbr\u003eAge: 19th century to early 20th century.\u003cbr\u003eDimensions: Long bicones 23–28 mm in length; larger cylinders 8–12 mm in diameter; smaller cylinders 4–6 mm in diameter; strand of 9 agate beads plus one glass bicone and one non-agate glass fluted bead, on a temporary wire.\u003cbr\u003eCondition: Good antique condition minor pitting and small natural inclusions on some agate beads, including a few dark spots on the dark bicone. Strung on a temporary wire for display only.\u003cbr\u003eHistory: Idar and Oberstein in Germany were the center of European agate cutting from the 1500s onward. By the 19th century, cutters there were working Brazilian agate and treating it to deepen the browns and blacks and sharpen the banding. Many of these beads were made for export to West Africa, where banded agate was highly valued.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCollector Item 201a\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Beads","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45853366476,"sku":"Collector Item 201a","price":135.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2352\/4865\/files\/IMG_0280-Photoroom.jpg?v=1794335203","url":"https:\/\/ritaokrent.com\/products\/antique-banded-agate-idar-oberstein-beads-short-strand-rita-okrent-collection-c201a","provider":"Rita Okrent Collection","version":"1.0","type":"link"}