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Book Your AppointmentA beautiful 15ct gold Scottish brooch that was made circa 1860 in the Celtic design. It has a kite mark on the reverse that will date it exactly to the date, month and year that it was made.
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, and this brooch is a wonderful survival from the mid 19th century. It has been set with bloodstones, jasper and agate with five cabochon cut citrines and has Celtic engraved detail throughout.
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Last UK Christmas Orders
2pm, Monday 23rd December
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The deadline for USA Christmas orders has now passed
Estimated Delivery:
UK - Arriving tomorrow, Saturday 21st December
USA & Europe - 3-5 working days
Rest of World - 6-8 working days
We offer a 30 day, full money-back guarantee on all purchases.
UK - Free, with a pre-paid returns envelope
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We look forward to welcoming you to the AJC Townhouse, our home in the heart of London's Mayfair - and one of London's best kept secrets.
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