Circa 1850 this handsome and rare Victorian Scottish mixed agate and jasper circular or 'target' plaid brooch is superb quality and beautifully handcrafted. Made in sterling silver it features a beautiful scalloped outline with a port hole in the middle. The brooch is mounted with 8 flush-set tiles of highly polished agate stones which illustrate the incredible variety of these spectacular Scottish pebbles. The hardstones evoke the colours and textures of the wild and craggy Scottish Highlands perfectly earning them their appropriate nickname 'earth's rainbow'
This is a large statement sized plaid brooch with the stones mounted on a foundation of local black slate, a technique often used in the earlier examples of pebble jewellery. Plaid brooches are traditionally worn to attach the tartan 'fly' to the shoulder or breast.
A fine collector's piece. Scottish pebble jewellery grew in popularity in the mid-1800s fuelled by Queen Victoria's love for Scotland and the jewellery made there. Brooches were especially favoured as they were both beautiful and functional holding heavy capes, cloaks and shawls in place. If you're looking for that rare piece of antique Scottish pebble jewellery then this may be the one for you.
DETAILS
MATERIALS: sterling silver
GEMSTONE: Presidium tested; mixed Scottish chalcedony (agate, jasper, bloodstone)
MEASUREMENTS: 2.2" (5.5cm) diameter
WEIGHT: 24.2 grams
DATE: Victorian, circa 1850
HALLMARKS: None, as is typical with these early pieces and we have acid tested to verify sterling silver
CONDITION: in excellent antique condition with minimal surface wear, no damage to the hardstones and the pin back in perfect working order.
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 tracked & insured shipping for 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.
* Discount - find special discount and no added 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.
Materials: Sterling Silver, Scottish Agates.