The history of the Scottish jewelry brand “Ward Brothers” began in the late 19th century in Glasgow. Handcrafted from sterling silver in Celtic, Victorian and Scottish style, the pieces had a symbolic meaning. For example, the Lucky Heather and Horseshoe designs were worn to attract good luck and success. Another traditional design is the thistle, an element of the Scottish coat of arms, symbolizing tenacity, tenacity, and resistance. According to belief, a thistle ornament is a powerful talisman that protects a person from damage and the evil eye.
Made with great craftsmanship, the company’s jewelry became very popular, and as a result, the company expanded its business. So, jewelry production began in Edinburgh and then in Birmingham. Traditionally, the craftsmen of this brand made jewelry from sterling silver, as well as using gold plating. Also, they used both natural stones – Scottish agate, and glass imitations of ruby, amethyst, zirconium and garnet.
Noteworthy, the markings on the back of the items differ, according to the year and place of production of the jewelry. In particular, the initials WBS, also the anchor mark of Birmingham, followed by the lion, and the year; the purity of gold or silver; Chester 1921 (for Ward Brothers); thistle with towers and letter B. The company ceased to exist in the 1970s and became the property of another British brand that still specializes in Celtic, Irish and Scottish style jewelry.
Stug circle pin and earrings. Textured thistle patterns sterling silver, paste citrine. 19531950s signature
Ward Brothers vintage costume jewelry
Symbolic thistle flower brooch. Sterling silver, citrine1966 sterling silver leaf brooch. 4 cmAmethyst glass cabochons round shaped brooch pinAxe and thistle brooch. Sterling silver, carnelian, bloodstone, citrine. 1950sBird pendant. Sterling silver, blue stonesBow brooch. Textured engraved sterling silver. 1962Cameo brooch. Carved shell, sterling silver. 1920sVictorian design silver broochCrowned heart brooch. Sterling silver, amethystCurrant leaf and berry brooch. Faux garnet, textured sterling silver. 4 cm. 1950sSignatureEight-pointed star inside circle vintage brooch pin. Gold tone metal alloy, diamond cut crystal. 3.8 cm. 1950sFiligree floral design brooch. Sterling silver, clear and blue crystals. 5.2 cm. 1930sFlower design brooch. Sterling silver, citrine, Scottish agate. 1959Hallmarked Glasgow 1949 amethyst thistles sword brooch. Engraved sterling silverHilda name series Victorian brooch. Sterling silver. 1899 Chester marked. 4 cmHorseshoe Victorian brooch. Rosegold and silver. 1894Leaf sterling silver pin. 1965Maple leaf sterling silver green stone broochOrnamental round shaped sterling silver agate broochParrot circle pin. Sterling silver, enamel. 3.5 cmPaste citrine double ended floral design bar brooch. Gold plated metal. 7.5 cmScottish Kilt brooch. Celtic pattern engraved sterling silver, pink quartzScottish stug circle pin and earrings. Textured thistle design sterling silver, amethyst. 1950sSignatureSpider bar brooch. 9 K gold, silver, blue topaz. Marked Chester 1921Stug circle pin and earrings. Textured sterling silver, amethyst glass. 1953Symbolic thistle flower brooch. Sterling silver, citrineThistle circle pin. 925 Sterling Silver, amethyst glass. 3.5 cmThree thistle brooch. Sterling silver, amethyst glassTwo textured sterling silver leaf brooch. 1970Victorian design sterling silver multicolor crystals brooch. Early 1900sViking ship circle pin. Sterling silver. 1960sYellow glass cabochon sterling silver thistle circle broochSignature
