Thistle Brooch Jewellery - A Complete Guide With Its Types

Thistle brooches have been the symbol of resilience and nationalism for Scottish people for centuries. These jewellery pieces not just adorn garments but also show your commitment and pride in your heritage symbols. From antique heirlooms to contemporary designs, these items show a blend of craftsmanship with deep-rooted cultural significance for Scottish heritage.

Royal figures and even jewellery collectors value thistle brooches and pins so much due to their engraving of the Scottish national flower in their design. Because these items help people promote the unique identity of their nation by wearing them not just for fashion, but as a symbol of existence for centuries.

Make sure to add these unique items to your collection and blend vintage thistle brooches with current trends from street style blazers to bridal couture, and take pride in national values.

What’s the Historical Background of Thistle Brooches?

The history of thistle brooches is traced back to Celtic tribes because they used the penannular, also known as an incomplete ring, to fasten their cloaks and garments. And between the 7th and 9th centuries, these Celtic-style brooches evolved into ornate status symbols, richly decorated with enamel, glass, and zoomorphic terminals.

After that, the Vikings had simplified the penannular forms and paved the way for thistle-style brooches in the 10th and 11th centuries. The historical journey of this special jewellery hasn’t stopped here because it evolved into carved metalwork and manuscripts.

In 1867, James VII resurfaced these brooches and made the chivalric order to give the thistle brooch the status of royal emblem, and the royal members started wearing the thistle badge with pride at St Giles’ Cathedral ceremonies in Edinburgh. Now, it has become the favourite jewellery item even for people outside of Scotland.

How the Evolution of Thistle Brooches has happened?

Thistle brooches have started evolving since the 18th and 19th centuries, when Victorian lovers and soldiers paired the Scottish motif with sentimental inscriptions by etching or engraving the words like Mizpah (Hebrew for Watchtower). After that, the Romantics started using precious stones like amethyst, garnet, and bloodstone to create Mizpah brooch thistles.

The evolution hasn’t stopped here in the 20th century. Art Nouveau introduced flowing lines; later Deco pieces emphasised geometric abstraction in platinum and diamonds to make thistle brooches more unique. Now, the modern jewellery designers are using asymmetry and minimalist outlines to suit both the haute couture and street style fashion sense of new generations.

Fashion geeks are loving the blend of traditional elements with minimalist aesthetics to match their unique clothing.

What’s the Symbolic and Cultural Significance of Thistle Brooches?

It was adopted as Scotland’s plant badge in the 13th century, and ever since then, it has been appearing on coins, seals, and heraldry. Which means it symbolically represents Scottish nationalism across the world. The prickles of thistle brooches represent roughness and defence against adversaries.

However, its purple bloom denotes royalty and spiritual insight as it refers to the Chivalric order as well. It also serves as a symbol of prestige to honour those heroes who serve Scotland and the crown with their blood and efforts. 

Culturally, it is referred to as a symbol of remembrance, as Mizpah or other thistle brooches are being exchanged by the soldiers with their loved ones during the time of war or separation.

Different Types of Thistle Brooches

We have shortlisted around 6 of the most famous types of thistle brooches easily available at renowned jewellery stores across the globe. You can scroll through the list and find the most suitable one, complementing your dress and showing resilience for Scotland at the same time.

Make sure to wear the most relevant to the dress and get the royal vibes without spending a lot of bucks. You can choose occasion-specific thistle brooches as well for a better outlook. For example, wear an emerald thistle brooch on a bridal couture and an amethyst thistle brooch on a street style show.

1.  Antique Thistle Brooches

Antique thistle brooches are jewellery items traced back to the 19th century or earlier. These brooches are the perfect representation of the intricate craftsmanship of the specific era in which it is created. Precious metals like silver or gold, and gemstones are used to create these decorative and symbolic jewellery items.

They were famously used during the Victorian period as a symbol of Scottish pride by the people associated with Scotland. 

2.  Vintage Thistle Brooches

Vintage thistle brooches are referred to as items usually 20 years old, and no more than 100 years old. These are also the perfect ambassadors of their time, reflecting the design philosophy and aesthetics of that time period.

Vintage ones reflect Art Deco and mid-century modern styles of the early to mid-20th century. Traditional metals and newer alloys, along with the rare incorporation of synthetic stones, worked as building materials for these items. 

3.  Amethyst Thistle Brooches

These brooches are etched or carved to resemble the thistle flower, combining aesthetic beauty with symbolic meaning in one element. The specialty of these brooches lies in their incorporation of amethyst gemstones for enhanced beauty.

Amethyst thistle brooches have been associated with royalty and spirituality to serve Scottish nationalism and the crown. Queen Elizabeth II received an amethyst thistle brooch as a gift from the townspeople of Dunoon in 1958, and she made it a royal jewel by wearing it.

4.  Diamond Thistle Brooches 

Diamond thistle brooches are known as luxurious jewellery items because of the incorporation of precious diamonds in the thistle design of brooches and pins. Diamonds are incorporated into the thistle brooches to enhance their elegance and value.

Queen Mary owned a notable diamond thistle brooch, which was later worn by Queen Elizabeth II, signifying its importance in royal jewellery collections. Diamond thistle brooches are passed as heirlooms to promote tradition from generation to generation. 

5. Gold Thistle Brooches

These brooches are partially or entirely made from gold to offer a warm and timeless appeal to the members of royalty and even elite groups in Scotland. Gold in thistle brooches signifies wealth and status among the community.

Gold is more durable than other metals; that’s why it is preferred for jewellery items. The gold thistle brooches were often worn by Scottish elite and royal family members during formal occasions.

6. Mizpah Thistle Brooches

Mizpah thistle brooches, as mentioned above, combine the thistle motif with the word “Mizpah”, a Hebrew term meaning “watchtower”. It works as a symbol of reunion and emotional hope for people separating from their loved ones, especially during wartime.

During the Victorian era, these brooches were exchanged as a token of love, and the thistle gives a Scottish identity to the sentimental message.

What’s the Difference Between Thistle Brooches and Pins?

Thistle brooches are larger in size and come with an intricate design and complex mechanism to fasten garments. On the other hand, pins are smaller, simpler, and often used for functional purposes like securing garments or hair. 

Sometimes, one piece serves both decorative and functional roles at the same time, blurring the lines between a brooch and a pin.

Famous Thistle Brooches from History

We have shortlisted the two most famous thistle brooches possessed by Queen Elizabeth the Second and Queen Mary to shed light on their royal significance.

1. Queen Elizabeth II’s Thistle Brooches

A diamond thistle brooch was gifted to Queen Elizabeth II by the emperor of Oman. It has three diamonds in the thistles and is worn at events like Royal Ascot. She has also received an amethyst thistle brooch from the townspeople of Dunoon in 1958, which has a carved amethyst bud and emerald ribbon.

2. Queen Mary’s Diamond Thistle Brooches

It was designed and crafted by Edward & Sons in 1927, featuring a stylised thistle set with diamonds, showcasing Art Deco. The diamond thistle brooch was first worn by Queen Mary and then by Queen Elizabeth II during significant Scottish events.

Design Elements of Thistle Brooches Reflecting Craftsmanship at Its Best

Thistle brooches are not just like ordinary jewellery items, having a simple design and no aesthetic appeal. These have fine engravings and filigree work, highlighting the detail-oriented craftsmanship of the artisans. Further, the precise placement of gemstones makes it more aesthetically appealing to everyone.

The best thing about the design philosophy of the thistle brooches and pins lies in their incorporation of Celtic knots, leaves, and other elements that add depth and meaning to their symbolic value. Lastly, the use of high-grade materials like gold, silver, etc, makes it durable and valuable at the same time.

How to Incorporate Antique Thistle Brooches in Modern Fashion Trends?

You can make a statement by simply wearing a thistle brooch and pin on lapels, scarves, or hats to add a vintage touch to your modern clothing. Moreover, you can add layers of brooches to your outfit to make a bold statement. 

If you want to keep the outfit minimalist, then attach a single thistle brooch to your handbag or a belt. In case you are looking for unique ideas for your bridal couture, consider adding a vintage old brooch to your dress and add a sentimental value to it.

Conclusion

Thistle brooches are not just fashion accessories. They are embodiments of history, culture, values, and artistry. Consider adding a thistle brooch and pin to your outfit and connect with Scottish heritage to add a unique flair to your fashion trends while promoting a specific tradition.

Whether you're a collector, fashion enthusiast, or someone seeking a meaningful gift, these brooches offer timeless appeal and significance to those who value their national traditions and symbols.