Recently Sold (VP256)

Emblem Of Scotland - Vintage Silver Plate Over Pewter Crystal Rhinestone Thistle Pendant & Chain. This pretty pendant is crafted from silver plate over pewter. The pendant features one round cut crystal rhinestone, and vintage styling. This pendant is made in the form of a thistle flower,  displaying lovely detail, and adorned by a beautiful purple crystal rhinestone. The chain is a vintage belcher design, featuring a spring ring clasp, which is in perfect working order. This vintage pendant would make a perfect gift or addition to any collection. 

History: The thistle is the national emblem of Scotland. It's a floral symbol, representing Scotland's resilience and protection.The thistle is also a key part of Scottish heraldry and appears on various national symbols and items like coins, flags, and the Royal Banner. 

Silver-plated jewelry's history begins with the invention of Old Sheffield Plate in the UK around 1740, which fused a layer of silver onto copper, followed by the development of electric plating in the 1840s by the Elkington Company. These processes, particularly electroplating, allowed for the mass production of silver-looking items at a lower cost, making silver-plated jewelry accessible to the middle class during the Industrial Revolution. 

Pewter, an alloy primarily of tin with other metals like copper and antimony, has a rich history spanning millennia, from its early use in the Bronze Age to its continued relevance today.  Initially favoured for its affordability and workability, it became a common material for tableware, household goods, and even decorative items. While mass production of pottery and glass gradually replaced pewter for everyday use, it continues to be produced, particularly for decorative and specialty items. 

The term Rhinestone was given to the little sparkles after the river Rhine, where quartz pebbles, rock crystals with a high lead content were originally found. Folk would collect them from the shores, jewellers cutting and moulding them into little imitation diamonds.

Measurements: Pendant 35.00 mm x 16.50 mm    Chain: 18" 

Stone Size: Crystal Rhinestone 8.20 mm 

Weight: 5.60 grams 

Condition: Excellent 

Origin: England 

Date: Circa 1990