Edwardian 9ct Gold Rolled Gold Scottish Thistle Dress Set by John Atkins & Sons

A charming Edwardian dress set, comprising a pair of cufflinks and three dress studs/buttons, decorated with beautifully engraved Scottish thistles and the Scots phrase “Dinna Forget”. The thistle has been Scotland’s national emblem since the medieval period and is rich in meaning. According to legend, it helped save Scotland from Norse invaders when a barefoot Viking stepped on a thistle while attempting a surprise attack, crying out and alerting the Scots. Since then, the thistle has come to symbolise protection, courage, tenacity and Scottish resilience. The phrase “Dinna Forget” translates as “do not forget”. When paired with the thistle, it becomes a wonderfully sentimental Scottish motto: a reminder not to forget one’s roots, bravery, homeland or loved ones. The reverse of the pieces are stamped with the mark for John Atkins & Sons, a Birmingham firm known for producing jewellery during the late 19th and early 20th century. The set is presented in a period fitted case for David Adams, Watchmaker & Jeweller, 52 & 54 Hanover Street, Stranraer, who may well have retailed the set originally. The set is in 9ct rolled gold, a high-quality material widely used during the late Victorian and Edwardian periods. Unlike simple gold plating, rolled gold is made by mechanically bonding a thick layer of 9ct gold to a base metal under heat and pressure. This creates a far more durable finish that wears exceptionally well, offering the appearance and longevity of solid gold at a more accessible price. It was particularly popular for fine gentleman's accessories such as cufflinks, dress studs and watch chains. A wonderfully evocative Edwardian gentleman’s dress set, full of Scottish symbolism and sentiment.