At first glance, this necklace composed of large milky white agate beads appears to be merely a gorgeous piece of jewelry. However, to the original owner of these beads, the necklace had a very different meaning. While this necklace is surely a sign of wealth and status, both in regards to the cost of the gemstones themselves as well as the artistry of their manufacturing, it served a purpose far more essential than mere decoration. When worn by a pregnant woman or a recent mother, these beads were believed to encourage the production of breast milk. Thus, a lactating mother would be able to provide the proper amount of nourishment for her young child or children. Agates have long been thought to possess magical powers, curing everything from thirst, the evil-eye, insomnia, and bad dreams, to scorpion bites, intestinal troubles, and skin diseases. As well, certain varieties were believed to increase fertility. Clearly, the milk white hue of these beads reveals their supposed function. One can just picture a gorgeous young Indian maiden wearing this necklace, the white beads falling gently along her breasts, encouraging the milk to flow and nourish her offspring.
These antique agate beads have been strung on a modern necklace.