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Victorian 9ct Gold Scottish Weeping heart & Crown Brooch set with Agates

797Y
77 Admirers Rare Find

I have never seen a Scottish weeping heart brooch with a crown above so I was thrilled to find this amazing 9ct gold brooch that was made circa 1860. It has been set with bloodstone and agate with fine engraving on the gold.

Also referred to as “pebble” jewellery, this colourful and exuberant jewellery originated in Scotland utilising traditional Highland themes employing native agate and granite to punctuate the popular designs. The stones were precisely cut to form designs conforming to the setting, often to such tight tolerances as to form a seemingly seamless mosaic.

Much of Scotland’s Highland heritage was squelched after the 745 rebellion against the English and outward symbols of clan allegiance were forbidden. At the turn of the nineteenth-century interest in Scotland was renewed in the readers of the popular historical novels by Sir Walter Scott. Basing his stories in the rich history of the Highlands, he presented an idealised and romanticised view of his beloved Scotland. Queen Victoria made her first visit there in 1842 and loved it so much that she purchased Balmoral castle in 1847, making it a home for English monarchs on into the twenty-first century.

With the advent of railways a new tourist trade sprang up as those who were previously not able to afford leisure travel could now do so. Scotland became a prime destination not only for its beautiful scenery but because of the fascination it held for their Queen.

This led to many pieces of jewellery being made for the new tourist trade. Gold Scottish pebble jewellery is rare as most pieces were made of silver, so this 9ct gold brooch is a wonderful survival from the mid 19th century. It has been set with bloodstone various agates including a bloodstone. The weeping heart and crown is most likely a  reference to Mary Queen of Scots who was beheaded by her cousin Elizabeth 1st.

The Details
Ollys Pick

Gold Scottish jewellery is much rarer than silver pieces and this brooch is a lovely example.

Essentials

Item Number:
797Y
Materials:
Dimensions:
30 mm (H) x 22 mm (W)
Place of Origin:
Scotland
Discovered:
6 months ago

Hallmarks

Design Number:
Rd 86693
Early Fineness:
  • 9CT

Condition

Fair
Good
Very Good
Excellent

Care Tips

  • Check delicate settings regularly
  • Take special care of historical jewellery
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