This beautiful antique Victorian sterling silver thistle brooch is fashioned as Sgian-Dubh. The Sgian-Dubh (pronounced 'skin doo') is a ceremonial knife worn in the top of a sock as part of traditional Scottish Highland dress.
A beautifully cut golden yellow Scottish citrine forms the head of the thistle and is set into an engraved crown mount. The blade of the knife is inlaid in forest green bloodstone and spicy red carnelian. A fine old example of a classic Scottish dress brooch, lovely quality and good for the gents or the ladies.
Brooches set with Scottish stones became very popular at the height of the "Scottish Pebble" craze after Queen Victoria purchased Balmoral Castle in Scotland. She set a trend for Scottish pebble jewellery which became highly collectable and it still remains that way today.
DETAILS:
MATERIALS: sterling silver
GEMSTONE: natural citrine, bloodstone, carnelian, Presidium tested
SIZE: 2-3/8"/6cm long
WEIGHT: 4.5 grams
DATE: Victorian, circa 1870
HALLMARKS: none as is typical in early pieces, tests as sterling
CONDITION: in very good antique condition with light age appropriate wear and the pin back in good order fastening securely. There's a tiny crack in the bloodstone close to the silver tip, however the stone is securely set with no movement. Note any dark spots are reflections.
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.
Materials: Sterling Silver, Citrine, Agates.