A fabulous sterling silver smoky quartz vintage shield brooch by renowned Scottish silversmith Robert Allison. Hallmarked in Glasgow in 1957 this brooch is extra special, Glasgow assay office closed in 1957 so these historical hallmarks are sought after and collected.
Beautifully crafted in a traditional round "wheel" design the brooch is engraved with thistle motifs that have been acid etched (oxidised) so the design just pops. It has a lovely domed profile with the smoky quartz gemstone claw mounted into a tall crown setting in the centre. The gemstone is a beautiful deep brown with flashes of purple and yellow as the light hits it.
The local name for these quartz gemstones stones that are found in the Scottish mountains is "Cairngorms" and they also include amethysts and citrines. Cairngorms have long been considered to have magical and healing powers.
A sturdy pin back with a roll over safety clasp completes this fine example of a classic Scottish silver cairngorm dress brooch, a fabulous accent accessory good for the gents or the ladies, collectible too!
MATERIALS: sterling silver
GEMSTONE: Presidium tested, smoky quartz 15mm diameter, approx. 11 carats
HALLMARKS: stamped 'lion passant' for sterling, 'thistle' for Scotland, 'tree' for Glasgow, date letter 'J' for 1957 and makers mark 'RA' for Robert Allison
DIMENSIONS: 1-1/2" (4cm) diameter, stands approx. 12mm tall
WEIGHT: 12.9 grams
DATE: Mid Century, 1950s
CONDITION: in excellent vintage condition with minimal light wear to the silver and the gemstone free of any flaw
At Mercy Madge we offer quality antique and vintage jewellery sourced in Great Britain. All of our pieces are professionally cleaned and polished so they are ready to wear or give as a gift.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
* Free worldwide shipping – orders are dispatched next business day and sent tracked and insured
* Returns - you can return your item for a full refund for any reason. Just get in touch within 3 days of receiving your order and return it within 7 days.
* Discount - find special discount and no sales tax on our website at www.mercymadge.com
* All gemstones have been tested and verified using a Presidium Gemstone Tester. All measurements and carat weights given are approximations.
* Our photographs have been taken in extreme close up to show you every tiny detail. This often means that any flaws or damage which you can see on the photos will be invisible when viewed normally with the eye. This can also mean that the item can appear larger on the screen than it is in person, so please be sure to read our written description to double check all sizes and dimensions.
* Buying a gift? – your item will arrive gift wrapped in a custom Mercy Madge jewellery box. Please note, unless otherwise stated antique boxes in our photos are for display only and are not included in the purchase.
Follow us for our latest antique and vintage jewellery:
Instagram: @mercymadge
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mercymadge
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/MercyMadge
Twitter: https://twitter.com/MercyMadge
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.co.uk/Mercymadge
Read our blog at https://mercymadge.com/blogs/blog
Materials: Sterling Silver, Smoky Quartz.