What do the Duke of Windsor, the Scottish Clan of Campbell, and the sport of golf all have in common? Why, textiles, of course.
And not just any old textile, but a very specific textile pattern — a pattern that has stood the test of time: argyle.
While it’s often categorized as a plaid, argyle is actually a standalone pattern distinguished by its repeating diamond (or “lozenge”) color-block panels. However, according to the Scottish Tartans Authority — a group “[...] dedicated to preserving, promoting and protecting Scottish Tartans and Highland Dress” — argyle was designed to imitate tartan (think traditional kilts). And it’s believed that the main reason behind that evolution is that the argyle pattern is overall less complex to produce than tartan.
The most feared Scottish clan of them all, Clan Campbell of Argyll in western Scotland, proudly wore their tartan in the 17th century as a symbol of their power and territory. But because its check-like pattern was woven — often from several colors — it was challenging to reproduce its intricate patterns, especially into knit hose. Over time, the design evolved, rotating 45 degrees and simplified to a repeating diamond pattern; thus argyle (the pattern, not the region) was born.
Fast forward a few centuries to Pringle of Scotland’s (a knitwear fashion brand) introduction of its signature argyle pattern, and the then Duke of Windsor’s adoption of the pattern into his golf attire, and argyle was suddenly cemented as an icon of British (and golf) attire.
Some two decades later, argyle remained a popular pattern that homemakers knit into socks and shipped to soldiers serving abroad during WWII. Not only were they a warm accessory, but during a time of clothing shortages, they were also less expensive to make at home than to purchase.
Outside of a few small dips in pop fashion, argyle has remained a classic pattern that is still worn today by royals, celebrities, and the masses (ourselves included).
Much like the emblematic pattern that has stood the test of time, our Argyle Allure Ring is a modern masterpiece to love through the ages. Vibrant green threads and flashes of red weave across the blue diamond-shaped opal — a stronghold forever protected by a border of sapphires, emeralds, and tsavorite garnets.
