A wonderful, early silver witch’s heart* with a swivel arm, or clasp, to allow fabric to be passed behind it. This lovely one has special engraving on the verso: a P, a floral engraving, a hatch-engraved heart, another floral engraving, and an M. The heart brooch measures just ⅞” top to bottom and ¾” across. In 17th century Edinburgh Luckenbooth brooches were given as love tokens or lucky charms for warding off witches and sold in the locked – or ‘lucken’- booths near St Giles Cathedral on the Royal Mile.

*The witch’s (also ‘witches’) heart is very distinctive. In ancient times, it was thought to protect against the “evil eye” and to keep witches from harming infants. In early days, very tiny witch’s hearts were pinned to baby blankets to ward off these dark forces. The witch’s heart in sentimental (love token) jewelry has been used since the 15th century, and can be found in rings, pendants, and brooches.  In 17th century Scotland it was called a Luckenbooth brooch; the Scots name originates from the closed (locked) booths near St. Giles Cathedral along the Royal Mile in Edinburgh where jewelers sold these pieces. Certainly, by the 1700’s it symbolized that the giver was “bewitched” by the wearer; when the witch’s heart is doubled or supports a crowned top, it represents loyalty.

Price: $320

Click HERE to view a brief video of this piece.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~