A burnt-orange cross traces the centre of this oval cabochon, its arms crossing a pale honey-cream zone that fades outward into a warm, translucent peach rim. This Letter Agate cabochon, carved with a natural cross, is a striking, one-of-a-kind gemstone from the rugged mountains of East Java. Craftsmen in a mountain village there were the first to recognise the rough Letter Agate nodules, originally cutting them to reveal religious script.
 
Chief among these craftsmen is a man regarded as the "Godfather" of the Letter Agates. In a small cabin with a dirt floor, lit by gas lantern and working a hand-crank grinder, the "Letter Man" practises his singular craft. Excess agate has been carefully ground away from this cabochon to bring the natural cross within into view. Fashioned from wholly natural, untreated material, this cabochon is exceptionally rare and brings a spiritual touch to jewellery or craft work.
 
During a recent visit to Indonesia, we spent a day with Mr "Letterman" himself, watching this true craftsman at work with his skilled hands. It is this same ageing, skilled craftsman who produces all of our Alphabet, Number and religious-figure cabochon sets, each one 100% natural and guaranteed authentic. Every alphabet and number set carries his signature as proof of authenticity. Spotting the image, whether a cross, letter or number, relies entirely on this craftsman's trained eye. Here is a chance to own a truly rare and singular piece of lapidary craft.
 
Whether you make jewellery or collect one-of-a-kind rarities, this cross cabochon deserves a place in your collection. Bring natural beauty and religious meaning to your next piece with this cabochon. See our other listings for complete Alphabet and Number sets, and other religious symbols, crafted from this same remarkable gemstone.
 
You will receive the exact piece pictured on this product page.
 
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: Indonesia
DIMENSIONS: 17 (L) x 11 (W) x 7 (H) mm (Approximate)
WEIGHT: 2 grams (Approximate)