Scottish Jewellery: A Victorian Passion

Through the centuries, the distinctive character of Scottish jewelry has enchanted collectors from around the world. In the mid-nineteenth century, demand for the Highland specialties was so high that the supply from local craftsmen had to be supplemented by English imitations. In this spectacular, authoritative volume, leading jewelry historian Diana Scarisbruck presents 360 treasures from the renowned Ghysels collection. Examples include brooches, kilt pins, bracelets, earrings, tie pins, buttons, and belt buckles, many made by legendary designers such as Rettie & Sons of Aberdeen, Jamieson, and Ellis.

One hundred beautiful illustrations highlight the exquisite craftsmanship of traditional Scottish designs executed in local materials—agates, cairngorms, amethysts, garnets, freshwater pearls—set in silver or gold to harmonize with the bright colors of the clan tartans. The book also traces the history of jewelry in Scotland and explains the significance of the various motifs—Celtic, heraldic, sporting, religious, naturalistic, military, and sentimental.