Ward Brothers vintage costume jewelry
Symbolic thistle flower brooch. Sterling silver, art glass. 1960s. Ward Brothers vintage costume jewelry
Ward Brothers vintage costume jewelry
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. 1953
1950s signature
Ward Brothers vintage costume jewelry
Symbolic thistle flower brooch. Sterling silver, citrine
1966 sterling silver leaf brooch. 4 cm
Amethyst glass cabochons round shaped brooch pin
Axe and thistle brooch. Sterling silver, carnelian, bloodstone, citrine. 1950s
Bird pendant. Sterling silver, blue stones
Bow brooch. Textured engraved sterling silver. 1962
Cameo brooch. Carved shell, sterling silver. 1920s
Victorian design silver brooch
Crowned heart brooch. Sterling silver, amethyst
Currant leaf and berry brooch. Faux garnet, textured sterling silver. 4 cm. 1950s
Signature
Eight-pointed star inside circle vintage brooch pin. Gold tone metal alloy, diamond cut crystal. 3.8 cm. 1950s
Filigree floral design brooch. Sterling silver, clear and blue crystals. 5.2 cm. 1930s
Flower design brooch. Sterling silver, citrine, Scottish agate. 1959
Hallmarked Glasgow 1949 amethyst thistles sword brooch. Engraved sterling silver
Hilda name series Victorian brooch. Sterling silver. 1899 Chester marked. 4 cm
Horseshoe Victorian brooch. Rosegold and silver. 1894
Leaf sterling silver pin. 1965
Maple leaf sterling silver green stone brooch
Ornamental round shaped sterling silver agate brooch
Parrot circle pin. Sterling silver, enamel. 3.5 cm
Paste citrine double ended floral design bar brooch. Gold plated metal. 7.5 cm
Scottish Kilt brooch. Celtic pattern engraved sterling silver, pink quartz
Scottish stug circle pin and earrings. Textured thistle design sterling silver, amethyst. 1950s
Signature
Spider bar brooch. 9 K gold, silver, blue topaz. Marked Chester 1921
Stug circle pin and earrings. Textured sterling silver, amethyst glass. 1953
Symbolic thistle flower brooch. Sterling silver, citrine
Thistle circle pin. 925 Sterling Silver, amethyst glass. 3.5 cm
Three thistle brooch. Sterling silver, amethyst glass
Two textured sterling silver leaf brooch. 1970
Victorian design sterling silver multicolor crystals brooch. Early 1900s
Viking ship circle pin. Sterling silver. 1960s
Yellow glass cabochon sterling silver thistle circle brooch
Signature
