Description
Apx. .615 ozt total weight
This is a vintage sterling silver Scottish thistle brooch (also called a pin) made by W. Jackson & Son (hallmarked WJ&S).
Key Details from the Image and Hallmarks
• Maker: W. Jackson & Son (often listed as Jackson and Son), a Birmingham, England-based silversmith active in the early-to-mid 20th century (their WJ&S mark was registered around 1905 and used on many Scottish-themed pieces). They produced a variety of traditional Scottish jewelry, including thistle motifs, swords, and luckenbooths. 
• Design: Classic Scottish thistle — the national emblem of Scotland, symbolizing resilience and protection. The border features raised, detailed thistle leaves and flower heads (the “pineapple-like” textured tops). The large central faceted stone is held by four prongs (or claws).
• Stone: It appears to be a smoky quartz, citrine, or similar reddish-brown/amber-colored faceted gemstone (possibly a cairngorm-style stone, common in traditional Scottish jewelry). The deep color with reddish flashes when light hits it matches pieces described as “citrine” or “red stone” in similar WJ&S examples. Some variants use amethyst or agate instead.
• Material: Solid sterling silver (confirmed by the “sterling” marking you mentioned, along with the WJ&S maker’s mark and likely Birmingham hallmarks, though not fully visible in the photo).
• Style/Period: Early-to-mid 20th century vintage (often 1910s–1970s range for these pieces). These were popular as traditional Scottish wear, often pinned to tartan sashes, kilts, or coats.
Similar Examples
Pieces like this frequently appear on resale sites (Etsy, eBay, Ruby Lane) in the $50–$250 range depending on condition, stone quality, and size. Comparable ones include:
• WJ&S thistle brooches with agate or citrine centers.
• Larger amethyst or cairngorm versions marketed as “traditional Scottish brooches.”
Your example has a nice, bold size with a prominent stone and crisp thistle detailing.
If you’d like, provide more details (e.g., exact measurements, any other hallmarks on the back, or the stone’s exact color/behavior in different lighting), and I can help narrow it down further — perhaps even estimate a value or suggest comparable listings. It’s a lovely piece of Scottish heritage jewelry!
