Victorian amethyst and citrine brooch. Set to centre with one round old cut citrine in an open back claw setting with an approximate weight of 60 carats, encircled by four round old citrines in open back claw settings with a combined weight of 12 carats, interspersed by four round old cut amethysts in open back claw settings with a combined approximate weight of 12 carats. The total approximate citrine weight is 72 carats, to an ornate circular brooch design featuring intricate open work, stylised claws and decorative beaded details, the reverse mounted with a secure hinged pin and scroll latch. Tested yellow gold, Scottish, circa 1860.
Amber coloured quartzes such as these, sometimes mined in Scotland, were often set into plaid brooches, or brooches used to secure traditional Highland plaid shawls at the shoulder, a form of Scottish jewellery. A large annular plaid brooch similar to the present piece can be seen in a portrait of Albert, Prince Consort by Koberwein in the Royal Collection.
