Victorian Scottish Carved Banded Carnelian Agate Fleur-de-Lis Brooch, Sterling Silver Fittings

A striking Victorian silver-mounted brooch centred on beautifully banded carnelian agate, carved in an unusual and wonderfully three-dimensional fleur-de-lis design.

Scottish jewellery of the 19th century, often referred to as pebble jewellery, is prized for its imaginative use of richly coloured agates and other hardstones, many of them gathered from across Scotland and transformed by skilled lapidaries into distinctive pieces of jewellery. The fashion became particularly popular during the Victorian era, encouraged by Queen Victoria's well-known love of Scotland and everything Scottish.

This exceptional brooch is constructed from three separate pieces of warm, spicy orange-red banded agate, each carefully carved and shaped to form the fleur-de-lis. The natural banding is wonderfully dramatic, ranging from translucent honey and orange to deeper russet-red, giving the stone considerable warmth and depth.

The construction is particularly ingenious. The carved agate sections have been drilled and joined with beaded silver wire, which forms an integral part of the three-dimensional design. The wire passes through to the reverse and is cleverly incorporated into the brooch fitting, securely joining the separate elements without the need for glue. It is a lovely demonstration of the inventive lapidary and jewellery techniques used in this period.

At 2 inches (5 cm) in diameter and weighing 27.2 grams, this is a substantial brooch with excellent presence. The heavy-duty pin fitting will comfortably accommodate thicker fabrics such as wool, tweed and tartan.

A particularly beautiful example of Victorian Scottish pebble jewellery, combining superb natural agate, unusual sculptural carving and ingenious construction. A wonderful antique piece for the collector of Scottish jewellery, or simply for someone who appreciates jewellery with character, craftsmanship and a story.

DETAILS
METAL: Sterling silver
GEMSTONE: Scottish banded carnelian agate
MEASUREMENTS: 2" / 5 cm diameter
WEIGHT: 27.2 grams
DATE: Victorian, circa 1870
HALLMARKS: Worn STERLING stamps to the reverse
CONDITION: Very good antique condition with minor age-appropriate surface wear and no noted flaws. The substantial pin fitting is suitable for thicker fabrics.

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 and enjoy or give as a gift.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
* Free worldwide shipping on all purchases.
* Returns - you can return your item for a refund for any reason. Just get in touch within 3 days of receiving your order and return it within 7 days.
* 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.