This is a very stunning antique Scottish Victorian silver brooch. It is so finely made - as you can see in my photographs.
There is a large faceted oval citrine-type stone in the center of the brooch. This might even be a clear citrine - as when viewed under a magnifying glass there are no bubbles, flaws, or inclusions in it. But if not a citrine - it is a very fine clear-cut crystal addition, suitable for a brooch of this high level of craftsmanship.
The stone is set into the brooch with eight claws - which form a crown shape around the stone. It is firmly set with no movement and is in perfect condition with no chips or scratches. It is raised up from the back of the enamelled surround on the brooch. The way that this stone is set means that it will never fall out of its setting.
The edge of the brooch consists fine oval band of silver with raised dots on it. Around this oval band is a weaving ribbon of Royal Blue guilloche enamel and little silver details.
I cannot be precise with the dating of this brooch as it is not hallmarked. Silver jewellary in the Victorian age was not always hallmarked - so this is not an issue. But it certainly dates to the end of the 19th Century when this blue and silver enamel jewellery was very popular in Scotland.
You can see just how beautifully it is made by looking at the back - where the finish is almost as good as seen on the front. There is an old Victorian pin - held in place on an open c-loop - as you find on many late 19th-century brooches. The point of the pin is sharp and has not been blunted. There are four rings holding in the stone fitting on the front - and also the addition of a little loop so that you can also attach a chain and wear it pinned and around your neck.
I have seen other ones with similar Celtic designs and blue and silver decorations - but I have been unable to find another with such a large and sparkly feature stone.
It certainly would have been worn for a special occasion - probably on the neck of a lady's high collar on a blouse. It is certainly a special piece. From the look of it - it has never been worn. Given its larger size and long pin - you could use it today as a clasp on a cloak or plaid shawl.
I will send it to you in a nice plain black gift box.
Dimensions: The length of the brooch is 5.7 cm (2 1/4 inches) and the width is 4.5 cm (1 3/4 inches). The length of the pin is 6 cm (just over 2 1/4 inches). The stone measures 3.8 cm (1 1/2 inches) x 2.2 (3/4 inch).
UK Postage will be capped at £4.95 - but I will send it to you with Special Next Day Delivery so it is insured against loss or damage in transit. This will be applied to your order at the checkout.