Exceptional Brooch of Lorn Inspired Victorian Turret Brooch

The Brooch of Lorn is a medieval turreted disk brooch of a peculiarly Scottish type. By legend it dates from the early 14th century but it may date to the 16th century. Mentioned by Sir Walter Scott in his poem 'The Lord of the Isles', the brooch was much admired by Queen Victoria in 1842 and Prince Albert had an exquisite facsimile copy made as a gift for her, sparking a 19th century mega-trend that had jewellers scrambling to make and sell Lorn-style brooches to keep up with demand.

Brooches as magnificent as this example are hard to find. The quality of the work is 1st class and the condition is good, albeit with a ding to the outer ring (mostly visible from the back) and some of the smallest garnets around the large central amethyst are lost.

Like many pieces from this period there are no hallmarks that I can find. The quality shines through however and the brooch tests properly for silver.

I'd suggest a date around 1860-70.

Approx 50mm across, 23mm high. Safety chain and pin. Semi precious stones to the turrets. Garnets surrounding central amethyst. Truly exceptional.