Snowdrift Kabdi Yemeni Agate Ring

A large oval of translucent Yemeni agate in the deep liver-brown the market calls Kabdi. Toward its centre the colour warms to amber, then gives way to a pale, sugary crystal field, as if snow had settled on one side of the stone. A creamy band crosses the top and three small white pockets sit in the dark.

The sterling silver mount keeps the bezel plain and puts the craft on the shoulders: raised five-petal flowers and fern leaves in shield-shaped panels, with scrolls and diamonds circling the collar and fine beading down the band.

A dark stone with a bright surprise in it, for a hand that likes a little contrast.