Nepal striped agate bead, blue-white, gray, brown with repousse silver caps 38-45mm, 1 pc. b4-aga276

Old Tibetan or Nepal repousse sterling silver capped striped agate bead. This is a natural old weathered agate with spectacular banding in a array of blue-white gray and brown, set more recently in repousse silver caps by artisans in Nepal. 38-45mm in length. 6-9 grams. Each bead is unique. Sold individually.Natural old carnelian bead set more recently in sterling silver caps by artisans in Nepal. This is an old bead that shows a bit of wear which greatly adds to its character. A wonderful focal bead.

The Tibetans sometimes applied gold or silver caps to the ends of valuable ancient stone beads such as etched carnelians, dZi and banded agates to conceal damage or reinforce fragile beads. This style has been copied in some vintage and contemporary silver-capped beads from Nepal.