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Barnebys HQ
Brahegatan 10
BOX 5038
114 37 Stockholm
All auctions / Jewelry & Gems / Romantic "Witch's Heart" Pendant with Turquoises & Pearls in Gold
The so-called Witch’s Heart is one of the most traditional heart motifs in the history of European jewellery. It is characterized by its asymmetrical shape, in which the tip of the heart is clearly curved to one side. Unlike the Scottish Luckenbooth motif, which was developed later, the Witch’s Heart in its original form has no crown and usually consists of a single, stylized heart. The name stems from the historical belief that such a piece of jewellery could protect its wearer from witchcraft, the evil eye, and other supernatural dangers. The exact origins of the motif remain unclear to this day. Early examples can be found in Scotland, among other places, where heart-shaped protective brooches have been documented since at least the 17th century. The motif likely developed in northwestern Europe, where it took on various regional forms. Its original function was apotropaic in nature: the heart was regarded as a protective symbol against witches, demons, and the so-called evil eye. In Scotland in particular, such brooches were attached to infants’ clothing or to their cradles to protect the children from illness and supernatural influences. Over the course of the 18th century, this protective function increasingly took a back seat. The witch’s heart now evolved simultaneously into a symbol of romantic love and marital fidelity. The protective amulet became a popular gift between fiancés or spouses, with the idea of being “enchanted by love” charmingly superseding the older meaning. This second meaning also underlies the pendant presented here. Crafted c. 1900, the piece of jewellery is richly set with shimmering natural pearls and accented by three sky-blue turquoises and a small diamond rose. The pendant is crafted from 15-karat gold—a gold alloy particularly characteristic of British jewellery from the late 19th and early 20th centuries, whose legal fineness was in use in Great Britain from 1854 to 1932. The pendant is in very fine condition and can be worn immediately on its matching gold chain. We discovered this extraordinary piece in London.
Estimate:$1,102.05
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View all items fromHofer AntikschmuckorJewelry & Gems
Hammer price:
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Estimate:
$1,102.05
OCT 27 | 4:00 PM
OCT 23 | 8:00 AM
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