Author J.K. Rowling once called Scotland “one of the most hauntingly beautiful places in the world.” In addition to the majesty of the moors and men so ruggedly handsome that they can look masculine in a skirt, the people of Scotland have created some beautiful jewelry. 

Scottish jewelry has its origins in Scandinavian mythology and Celtic culture. It is unique because many of the images you see on pieces of this type of jewelry tell a story or are symbolic of a philosophical concept. 

There are several types of jewelry that are unique to Scotland. You can travel to 

Caledonia to shop for them or look online for Scottish jewelry.  

Kilt Pins

One of the things that makes Scottish Jewelry different from ornaments in other cultures is that it is often functional. Not only does a kilt pin help to keep your skirt on, but it also lets people know a bit about who you are. You can get a kilt pin with your family crest or one that is shaped like a bagpipe. 

Stag pins are amongst the most popular kinds of kilt fasteners and there are often intricate details on them. The Highland stag is one of the most mythologized animals in Scottish history. 

The stag’s horns are considered a symbol of strength and virility. Scottish people once used the bodies of the deer for food, clothing, and even tool making. In Scottish mythology, these beautiful animals are used to symbolize strength from the great beyond.

Many people wear kilt pins even if they do not wear a kilt. You can put them on a jacket or a handbag. They are most often made of silver or gold, but you will find some made of pewter or even stone.

Scottish Brooches 

Like kilt pins, brooches were originally designed to keep a person’s clothes on. They were most often used to keep lady’s blouses secure. Today they are used for aesthetic purposes and are often given as a romantic gift. There are several different types of brooches.

Thistle Brooch 

The thistle is the official flower of Scotland. It is a popular ingredient in food and is often used as an emblem on a brooch. The weed is known for its dark purple flower and its prickly rough texture. It symbolizes the resilience of the Scottish people. 

Celtic Brooch 

This Celtic brooch was one of the first brooches to be widely worn. It is designed in the shape of a torc. A torc is a rigid or stiff neck ring that is made of metal. Some of them are made from one piece of metal, and others are made of two pieces of metal twisted together. Celtic jewelry dates back to ancient times and was created by artists in the Iron age. 

Luckenbooth Brooch 

This heart-shaped piece was created on The Royal Mile, which is the epicenter of Edinburgh in Scotland. Luckenbooth is a word used by Scottish people for a lockable stall that is used as a workshop. Silver and goldsmiths occupied many of these booths on the Royal Mile in the 15th century. Some pieces intertwine two hearts, and it is often used to symbolize romantic love. Hence, it is not uncommon for people to use it as an engagement gift. 

You will see Luckenbooth hearts on necklaces, bracelets, and earrings. It is one of the most popular images in contemporary Scottish jewelry.

Scottish Pebbles

Scottish pebble jewelry is generally made of silver and features stones that are indigenous to Scotland. The stones are often used to create an image such as a thistle or another kind of flower. You will find agate, marble, tiger eye, and yellow quartz. If you are thinking of trying your hand at jewelry making, a Scottish pebble necklace is a good place to start.

Scottish Pearl Jewelry

Scottish pearls are extremely rare as they do not come from oysters. These pearls come from mussels that are found in freshwater rivers. They come in colors such as rustic brown, grey, pink, white, and lilac.

In recent years the ecosystem has changed, and there has been a dramatic decline in the mussel population in the Scottish river. As you can imagine, the shortage of mussels has driven up the price of these already expensive objects. 

Celtic Jewelry 

The Celtics are often associated with Scotland and Ireland. However, there were Celtic tribes all over Europe. Many Celtic artifacts that have been discovered are made of bronze and iron as they came from the iron age.

The Celtics were polytheists and images found in their artwork often symbolize various gods. There are also a lot of animal images in Celtic artwork. There are certain Celtic pieces that remain popular today.

Celtic Crosses

Although it may look like a symbol of Christianity, the Celtic cross predates Christianity by hundreds of years. They were created by pagans and are known for the circle in their center. The circle is thought to represent the sun as much of the pagan’s life was dependent on the sun shining.  Christians eventually took over the cross and incorporated it with religious imagery. 

The meaning of the cross has been open to interpretation. Some historians believe it symbolizes earth, fire, wind, and water.

Ancient crosses often bear images of Celtic knots, which are basically three interlocking arches. Some people believe that they represent the family because a knot has no beginning or end. Other interpretations say that the knot represents a beginning, a middle, and an end. 

Modern Scottish Jewelry 

Nowadays, you will see pieces of costume jewelry and inexpensive metallic jewelry bearing traditional Scottish images. You will find necklace pendants bearing the image of the Northern Lights and those that feature carvings of Highland cows. 

Sterling silver bracelets with images of thistles are popular with young people, and you will even see stag antler rings that are also made from sterling silver.

Scottish jewelry comes in many forms. It can liven up any outfit, and it makes a great conversation starter.

SHARE THIS POST