Agate is a variety of chalcedony, a member of the quartz family. The stone takes its name from the Achetes River in Sicily where it was first discovered more than two millennia ago. Agate is most often seen in Georgian and Victorian jewelry carved in its banded form (also known as onyx) which was carved into cameos, intaglios, and wax seals. This 19th century piece features a circular agate specimen with a locket embedded within it. Originally the locket would have held a small lock of hair, but it was removed somewhere along the line and is now empty. A bale at the top and a pin at the back allow for convertible wear.