Scottish 15K gold and semi-precious stone brooch, 19th century. Intertrus
Brooches used as ornamental garment pins have a long history–dating as far back as the Bronze Age. A distinct tradition of brooches developed in Early Medieval Ireland and Scotland, including the type of brooch showcased here: the plaid brooch, which was used to pin the long piece of over-the-shoulder tartan in the original Scottish highland outfit. Like some of the exceptional antique brooches showcased here, many Scottish brooches featured the agates that Scotland is famed for, and the distinctive Celtic knot design.