Large Antique Agate Brooch Made of Silver, England c. 1890

In the second half of the 19th century, Scottish-style jewellery became popular in Great Britain. The writings of Walter Scott, which idealized the original and natural life in Scotland, led to a veritable mania for everything that came from this northernmost part of the British Isles. The royal family also spent extended vacations in the Highlands, with Queen Victoria acquiring Balmoral Castle in the Scottish Highlands in 1848. Here, people liked to be portrayed in the typical Scottish costume - which also included various pieces of jewelry with semi-precious stones. This fashion was adopted by large sections of the population and confirmed the old adage "as goes the Queen, so does the commoner". The jewellery that was created in this way up to the end of the 19th century was preferably set with agates, jaspers and onyxes in silver - so-called "scotch pebbles". This brooch also features such stones. The body of the silver piece is designed like a large belt and is set with agates in various colors on the front. Some of the stones from the Scottish Highlands show natural stripe patterns and each of them offers a different image. Letters are engraved between the agates, which together form the word "Brighton". It is therefore evidently a souvenir from the seaside resort on the south coast of England in the Scottish taste of the late 19th century. The brooch, with its beautiful combination of craftsmanship and natural beauty, is very well preserved and a fine example of this patriotic moment in British history. We discovered the brooch in London. For further information, see Charlotte Gere/Judy Rudoe: Jewellery in the Age of Queen Victoria, London: British Museum Press 2010, pp. 454-461.

Stima:€398

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