Scottish Victorian Silver Bloodstone & Jasper Shields & Swords Brooch

A most unusual and detailed silverA metallic element which is malleable and ductile, and white in colour, making it ideal for use in jewellery. It is usually mixed with copper to improve its hardness.
brooch which was made circa 1860-1870. Scottish related jewellery became very popular when Queen Victoria purchased Balmoral Castle in the Scottish Highlands. A large tourist trade grew up in the area with many artefacts being reproduced such as horn beakers. Jewellery was made with romantic illusions to Scotland’s past and set with local stones such as bloodstoneA dark green to dark bluish-green variety of Chalcedony that is splattered with red or brown spots that resemble blood. The extent of the marking varies depending on the stone. Spots are favoured over larger stripes and markings. and jasperAn opaque variety of Chalcedony and is brown, yellow, or reddish, but may be used to describe other opaque colours like dark or mottled green, orange, and black. Jasper is almost always multicoloured and patterned in a unique way. which were sourced in the river beds.The resulting colour combinations and designs are very appealing and a great draw to collectors all over the world.