This beautiful sterling silver antique Scottish "cartwheel" brooch is in the form of a belted garter with a glowing paste citrine mounted into a crown setting in the centre. The belt and buckle motif is a recurring theme in Victorian jewellery, it symbolises strength and security.
Craftsman made in heavy gauge silver this brooch is a fairly substantial size. The circular belt area is hand-engraved and chased in a floral flourish pattern with a ribbon at the bottom that has a vacant cartouche which you could have choose to have engraved with a monogram for a personal touch. The brooch has a sturdy pin back with a t-hinge and c-clasp and will happily pin to thick fabrics and knits.
Traditionally in Scotland brooches like these are used attach the tartan "fly" to the jacket and they are worn on the shoulder by men and on the breast by women.
If you are looking for a striking antique silver accessory that will instantly lift your jackets and sweaters out of the doldrums then this impressive Scottish Victorian brooch may be the one for you!
MATERIALS: sterling silver
GEMSTONE: paste (glass) citrine
MEASUREMENTS: 2" (5cm) diameter
WEIGHT: 17 grams
DATE: Victorian, circa 1870
HALLMARKS: none, acid tested and verified as sterling silver
CONDITION: in very good condition with wear commensurate with antique age. The cartouche has worn a little smooth and there's light tarnish, surface scratches and tooling marks on the back. Minor wear to the facet edges on the glass stone under magnification but no chips or cracks. The pin back in good order fastening securely