Antique Scottish Agate Sterling Silver Thistle Brooch

This vintage Scottish agate Sterling Silver thistle brooch showcases exquisite craftsmanship and cultural significance. This elegant piece features intricate details and a timeless design that perfectly embodies Scottish heritage and tradition.

With Scottish agate stones, this exquisite piece features various types such as, rich red jaspers from the Campsie Fells in Stirlingshire, and vibrant green and red speckled blood stones from the Isle of Rum. The eye-catching faceted central paste stone in the thistle is carefully crafted to simulate the renowned Cairngorm gem, adding a touch of authenticity to this exceptional design.

Makers Hallmarked rubbed so hard to read - Thought to be W.H.L - Sterling Silver - William Henry Leather - Chester; subsequently W H Leather & Son 1899 - 1924 and also hallmarking in Birmingham 11 Pitsford Street, Birmingham. Mark entered 1904

Size approx 28mm x 32mm

Brooches found in Scotland date back to the second century BC with simple agate rings brooches that were valued in the Middle Ages as talismans. From the 16th century large brooches mounted with crystals a prototype for the pebble jewellery.

Lapidaries working mainly in the back streets of "Edinburgh new town" made most of the pebble jewellery. They would obtain their raw material from collectors who visiting such localities as Usan near Montrose, Kinnoull Hill near Perth, the Campsie Hills north of Glasgow and the island of Rum.