Plaid Pebbles : Scottish Mosaic Plaid “Pebble” Brooch in Pinchbeck, Circa 1850

Queen Victoria and Prince Albert had a dear fondness for Scotland and Scottish traditions, and through them traditional Scottish “pebble jewellery” became very popular in the United Kingdom around 1860. A lesser known fun-fact is that Scotland was already a popular tourist destination for nobility of Europe long before Vicky and Albert tuned in. An exquisitely fashioned brooch such as this was quite likely for such a tourist, or perhaps a Scottish laird. In Scotland oversized silver brooches were traditionally worn on the shoulder to fasten a large tartan shawl. This example seems too grand for daily wear, but would have made an exceptional souvenir or special occasion piece. A brooch in a similar design but smaller and set in silver can be found on page 38 of Scottish Jewellery: A Victorian Passion by Diana Scarisbrick. Manufacture:  This large oval brooch is formed by varieties of Scottish agate hardstones have been carefully cut and arranged to fit together in a plaid pattern. The surface is flat and smooth. The stones are arranged on a backing of bevelled slate, and framed in a pinchbeck rub-over bezel with rope border. Curiously the deep green agate sections are peppered with flecks of metallic gold, something I haven’t seen in agate specimens before. Pinchbeck was an alloy of copper and zinc that was a popular choice for jewellery for daily use, or in any situation where there was risk of theft the Georgian Era, it fell out of favour with the introduction of low carat gold in the 1850s. The piece has no hallmarks, the metal content has been verified by XRF test. The brooch has a small tube hinge and fastens with a c clasp. As with most Victorian & Georgian Era brooches the pin extends beyond the frame of the brooch making it easier to fasten on thick layers of fabric. The brooch measures 64.7mm x 47.9mm x 5.03mm. Weighs 28 grams. Condition:  Outstanding antique condition. Absolutely no faults to note.