Antique Scottish Cairngorm Silver Brooch with Agate, 1868

Antique Scottish cairngorm set silver brooch of a crowned…
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Antique Scottish cairngorm set silver brooch of a crowned shield form set with Scottish agate, marked with a registered design mark, size 56 x 34 mm, dated January 1868

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  • Agate - Agate is a type of semi-precious gemstone that is made up of silica dioxide, a mineral that is also found in quartz. It is known for its distinctive banded patterns, which are created as layers of silica are deposited in different colours including red, orange, yellow, green, blue, and purple. It is often used in jewellery, decorative objects, and other decorative items, and it is prized for its beauty and durability. Agate is found in many parts of the world, including Brazil, India, and the United States.
  • Registered Design - During the period 1842-1883 the Patent Office issued a diamond mark along with the registration number when a design was registered.

    Besides indicating that the design had been registered, a diamond mark offered the buyer the reassurance of knowing an item was of British design. It assured the person registering the design a degree of protection from copying.

    The mark was created to identify the type of material used (known as the class), how many items were included, (sometimes known as bundles or packages), and the date of registration.

    On the diamond mark the year of registration is shown along with the month code. However, there are two ranges of year codes; 1842-1867 and 1868-1883. By looking at the design of the diamond mark you should be able to determine the correct year from the design of the diamond mark and the placing of the day number.

    Source and further information: http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/records/research-guides/reg-design-diamond.htm
  • Cairngorm - Cairngorm is a type of smoky quartz, which is a variety of quartz that ranges in colour from light gray to dark brown. It is found in granite rock in the Cairngorm Mountains of Scotland, hence its name, and it is typically found in large clusters. The mineral is relatively hard, with a Mohs hardness of 7, and it is fairly durable, making it a suitable choice for jewellery and decorative objects.

    Cairngorm is said to have spiritual and healing properties, it is believed to have grounding energy, and it is thought to help with focus and concentration. It is also said to be a stone of protection and is said to help balance the energy within the body.

    The mining and collection of Cairngorms is heavily regulated in Scotland, and it is illegal to remove them from the Cairngorms National Park without a permit.

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