Set of 4 Black Agate Handle Barbarella

About the Agate

Black agate is chalcedony at its densest and darkest. The bands that give agate its name are still there, but they run charcoal against near-black, so from any distance the stone reads as one deep, even color.

Polished, it goes almost glassy and picks up reflections the way a dark mirror does. It is the plainest of the agates up close and the strongest across a room, especially on pale cabinetry.

How It’s Made

A long length of black agate is cut and drilled to make the Barbarella, a handle taken in the whole hand rather than pinched. It stands 6" to 5.5" from end to end on brass hardware. The stone edge is grown over in thick metallic gold by electroforming: real metal built onto the stone and permanently bonded, so it is not a leaf or a coating that can rub off. Against black the gold draws a bright line down a dark cupboard front.

Details

• Material: black agate with brass hardware
• Set size: 4 handles
• Dimensions: height 6" to 5.5" (15cm to 13.5 cm) by width 1" (2.5cm)
• Screw size: 5.08 cm (2")
• Distance between screws: 4" (10cm)
• Finish: thick metallic gold, electroformed onto the stone

Each piece is unique and there will be slight variations in shape and color from handle to handle.

Fit and Installation

For cupboards, cabinets and drawers, fixed with two screws set 4" (10cm) apart, each 5.08 cm (2") long. Tighten by hand so the stone is held rather than strained, and check both screws again after the first few weeks of use.

Care

Wipe the agate with a soft dry cloth and keep household cleaners away from the gold edging.