Magnificent, this is the largest and heaviest antique Victorian Scottish sterling silver hardstone brooch that we have ever come across!
Quite an early piece and beautifully made the brooch showcases a very large egg shaped brown and cream agate stone banded in dramatic wavy lines. It has a gently domed top with an elegant satin polished finish. The sterling silver frame features thick solid silver twisted wire embossed in a floral pattern . A decorative silver safety chain adds to the stately appeal.
The Victorians were absolutely fascinated with the natural world and these picturesque examples of Scottish "pebbles" were sought after and treasured, fueled by Queen Victoria's great love and affection for Scotland and the jewelry created there. Specimen brooches, those created to showcase impressively large or beautiful examples of hardstone, were to become very fashionable and madly popular.
MATERIALS: 925 sterling silver (tested)
GEMSTONES: Scottish agate, specimen stone measuring a tad over 58mm x 42mm, Presidium tested
DATE: 1860, Victorian
MEASUREMENTS: 2-3/4" across and 2" top to bottom (7cmx5m) and 16mm deep
HALLMARKS: None
WEIGHT: very heavy weighing 42 grams
CONDITION: Excellent condition with no cracks to the stone, or wear to the silver, a heavy duty pin back in perfect working order with lots of room behind for heavy plaids and tartans. A wonderful antique Scottish silver specimen agate brooch full of stature and overloaded in character.
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
* 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.
* 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
* 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.
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Materials: Sterling Silver, Scottish Agate.