So very rare, this antique gold shield shape, Scottish agate pendant is circa 1860.
Scottish jewelry reached a pinnacle of popularity when Queen Victoria would visit her beloved Balmoral Castle. She would dress herself in tartans as well as her children. She appreciated the distinctive beauty of Scottish jewelry, its unique design steeped in tradition. Most pieces were traditional and set in silver. Very few were ever set in gold. The jewelry designed for the women were mostly brooches, bracelets and quite rarely necklaces.
To find a pendant , set in gold is a collector's dream.
This gold pendant is set with a beautiful selection of indigenous agates and centered with a faceted, raised citrine. The design and labor is intensive. A goldsmith would create the setting. A skilled lapidary would choose the agates, cut and set the stones seamlessly. It is set in 9 karat gold with a beautiful gilding of 18 karat gold. The color of the gold is rich and a perfect foil for the agates. The reverse has a locket with enclosed hair twisted in an artistic fashion. This would have been a gift for a loved one, with the shield symbolizing protection.
It is timeless. in its beauty and its meaning. Worn alone or with other pendants, it is especially unique.
It measures 1 inch long without the bail and 1 3/8ths inches long with the bail. It is 7/8ths inches wide.
Shown here with a chain which can be purchased separately.
The condition is excellent. The reverse has a negligible chip on the edge of the glass locket.
Rare and beautiful.
Scotland, circa 1860