A strikingly beautiful piece of antique jewellery dating to between 1866-1884 given the ‘lozenge’ diamond-shaped registration mark known as ‘Kite Marks’ to the verso.

“During the Victorian Era in Great Britain, a diamond-shaped (or lozenge-shaped) Design Registration Mark (1842-1883), known as a “kitemark” was used on jewelry (and other decorative arts). These marks were stamped to indicate the date a particular design was registered, similar to a patent mark. Since kitemarks simply register designs they cannot be relied on to provide an accurate date of manufacture”.

The kite mark on this piece indicated manufacture prior to 1884 (when these kite marks were discontinued and replaced with the ‘Rd’ No), and after 1866. We believe it would likely have been manufacture between 1875-1880.

Crafted from Sterling Silver and designed as a crowned shield shape centred with a large oval faceted Citrine of approximately 7.3 carats, to a surround of a series of round cabochon Amethysts and varied coloured Citrines which are in foil-backed closed backed settings.

Finely detailed engraving to the crowned section atop, and to both internal and external borders of the shield, this heavy and solid Victorian brooch is of superb manufacture and weighs a substantial 15 grams.

A large and striking piece measuring a large 4.5cm x 3.2cm, this rare and wonderful brooch is a must for the Scottish themed jewellery connoisseur.

STONES
Citrine
1 @ 15.7 x 11.8mm - estimated 7.3ct
9 @ round Amethyst and Citrine cabochon 4.9mm each
3 @ round Citrine @ 2.2mm each

ERA
Victorian - 1837-1901

MEASUREMENTS
4.5cm x 3.2cm

WEIGHT
15.2 Grams

MARKS
Kite marks indicating design registration on 23rd February 1866 
Sterling Silver

CONDITION
Very very good antique condition.  No chips or abrasions to central Citrine. Central Citrine is 10 claw set, one ‘tip’ of claw at 11 o’clock is missing but strut in present, and therefore Citrine is still very secure.  Original pin and C clasp to rear, pin is in base metal for strength, closes very securely.  Minor marks to silver, insignificant.  No repairs. A strikingly beautiful piece.

HISTORY OF KITE MARKS

During the Victorian Era in Great Britain, in addition to their hallmarking conventions, a diamond-shaped (or lozenge-shaped) Design Registration Mark (1842-1883), known as a “kitemark” was used on jewelry and other decorative arts. These marks were stamped to indicate the date a particular design was registered, similar to a patent mark. Since kitemarks simply register designs they cannot be relied on to provide an accurate date of manufacture.

Kitemarks from 1842-1867 consisted of the “Class” at the top within a circle, the “Year” at the top, the “Month” at the left point, “Day” at the right and “Bundle” number at the bottom. From 1868-1883 the “Day” was at the top, “Bundle” on the left, “Year” on the right and “Month” at the bottom.

These marks can be helpful in circa dating a piece but do little, if anything, to identify the maker. Kitemarks were replaced by Registration Serial Numbers in 1884.