The Collection of Lady Wardington

A Georgian agate bracelet, the eight rectangular panels of varicoloured agates each claw-set, the baton-links between with fleur-de-lys terminals, mounted in gold, cased by Johnson, Walker & Tolhurst Ltd, 21 Conduit Street, W. London, length 18cm. £3,000-£5,000

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, The Collection of Lady Wardington.

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Collection

Lady Wardington, thence by family descent.

Changes in lifestyles and increasing leisure time particularly amongst the upper classes in the Georgian period, created the need for a distinction between day and evening jewellery. Jewels composed of fine translucent slices of banded and moss agates, set in gold cut-down settings were considered a fine and elegant option for day wear.

See: Reddington Dawes, G. & Collings, O, Georgian Jewellery, 1714-1830, ACC, 2007.


Johnson Walker Tolhurst Ltd. was a British silversmiths and purveyor of fine antique jewellery established in 1849. Originally based in the City of London at 80 Aldergate Street, in the early 20th century they expanded into the West End at 21 Conduit Street. In the early 21st century they operated out of Burlington Arcade.

Their reputation for attention to detail and artistry led to their pieces being highly sought after. Over the years, their diverse range of customers included prominent figures such as Indian Maharajahs and Winston Churchill.