18th-Century English Agate Snuff Box

Trimmed in elegant yellow gold is this polished English agate snuff box. Distinguished by the dynamic patterning of the agate, the exquisite vessel is the finely chiseled 10K gold foliage, which provides a beautiful contrast. Symbols of luxury and social status, snuff boxes were created using only the finest materials, including gold, silver, tortoiseshell, and as is the case in the present example, exquisite agate, which has a long and distinguished history for its use in the decorative arts. 

The “taking of snuff” was a very social activity among Europe’s elite for centuries. It is said that Queens Anne and Charlotte enjoyed snuff to such an extent, that nearly every member of their courts partook in the habit. Catherine de’ Medici even used snuff to treat her son's persistent migraines, and many credit her belief in its therapeutic properties with the popularization of snuff among the nobility.  

English, circa 1730

3 3/8" wide x 2 11/16" deep x 1 5/16" high