NEW Vintage & Antique Finds: Scottish Plaid Brooches

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.

Scottish large citrine and silver brooch, Scotland, 19th century. Part of collection. Intertrus

Scottish brooch, silver and agate, Scotland, 19th century. Part of collection.

Scottish Circle Brooch with Raised Stones, Three Dimensional Cairngorm Center Stone. Silver, agate, moss agate, Scottish, mid-Victorian. Melody Rodgers

Scottish silver stone wheel form brooch, semi-precious stones, Scotland, 19th century.

Victorian Scottish Circle Pin-Etched Silver Metal, Bezel Set Stones 6 Citrines 1 Amethyst, silver, amethyst, citrines, Scottish, mid-Victorian.