1.20 Carats Diamonds 18 Carat Yellow Gold Thistle Brooch

Vintage brooch with a gold thistle motif set with diamonds.

Estimated total weight of diamonds : 1.20 carats.

Dimensions : 42.55 x 41.50 x 15.69 mm (1.675 x 16.34 x 0.618 inches).

Weight of brooch : 23 g.

French craftsmanship circa 1970-1980

18-carat yellow gold, 750/1000 (eagle's head hallmark)

Although we take care of the quality of our antique jewelry, they have a history. As a result, some gems may be slightly polished and the metal may have a slight patina.

The Scottish Thistle:

Since the 13th century, the thistle, which is the national flower of the Kingdom of Scotland, has often been used as a brooch motif in the United Kingdom. It is also the symbol of the eponymous British order of chivalry, the Order of the Thistle, whose motto ‘Nemo me impune lacessit’ means ‘No one attacks me with impunity’.

The Lorraine Thistle:

On our side of the Channel, the thistle is not to be outdone. After René II's victory over Charles the Bold at the Battle of Nancy, he made it his coat of arms and associated it with the motto ‘Non inultus premor’ or ‘He who rubs against it, gets pricked’, evoking both the thorns of the thistle and the bravery of the lords of Lorraine.

Even today, the thistle and its motto adorn the coat of arms of Nancy, the logo of AS Nancy-Lorraine, the emblem of the Lorraine Regional Nature Park, and feature in the chorus of the Lorraine anthem.