Grey Granite Brooch by Middleton, Rettie and Sons

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Grey Granite Brooch

JewellerMade by M Rettie & Sons (Aberdeen, Scotland, 1824 - 1892)

Datec.1850

Object NameBrooch

Mediumsilver and granite

ClassificationsJewellery

DimensionsLength: 3.7 cm, Width: 3.7 cm
Weight: 16.11gm

AcquisitionPurchased in 1985 with assistance from the National Fund for Acquisitions.

LocationView by Appointment - Aberdeen Treasure Hub

Object numberABDAG001381

Keywords

About MeSilver and granite jewellery was made in a variety of forms – the Maltese cross, bar and oval brooches - with loops which enabled them to serve as pendant necklaces. Middleton Rettie and Sons specialised in this form, exhibiting “Gold and Silver mounted granite” at the 1851 Great Exhibition and also at the 1862 London Universal Exhibition. They employed the world famous Rubislaw Quarry granite, with its characteristic fine grey dappling, which was used to build most of Aberdeen’s celebrated grey granite buildings.

This brooch by Middleton Rettie and sons is formed as a Maltese cross set with grey granite from the Rubislaw quarry, Aberdeen. It fastens with hinged pin across back and has a suspension loop so that it can be worn as a pendant.