Georgian Pink Gold & Agate Snuff Box, British, c. 1820

Stunning agate mounted in pink gold creates a real work of art in this box. Both the top and base have beautiful mossy inclusions, while the sides and corners feature lighter striated pieces. The frame, made of drawn and molded pink gold, holds the top, base, four sides, and four corners in place.

The integrated hinge is nearly invisible, and the lid fits snugly, as it should on a box of this quality. Specialists made hinges - they were their own form of art. This is a particularly fine hinge made by a highly skilled artisan.

Precious metal on British boxes like this was rarely marked - a 1739 law exempts this style of box from taxation and hence assaying and marking. This beautiful box was made during the early 19th century, during the reign of George III or IV.

This beautiful box measures 2.7 inches long, 1.9 inches deep, and 1 inch high. It is unmarked and in excellent antique condition.