A delicate antique Victorian period 9 carat yellow gold witch's heart pin circa 1880s -1890. It is beautifully set with alternating natural seed pearls and turquoise. The pearls are creamy and the turquoise has natural variations in color from light blue to deep green ~ just wonderful. The gold mount has fine openwork detail and the clasp is a C-clasp, consistent with the 1880's and is in good working order.

The witch's heart first appeared in the 15th century. It gained popularity in Scotland in the 17th century when it became known as a Luckenbooth, named for the closed booths in Edinburgh where they were sold as tokens to ward off evil spirits and tiny witch's hearts were often pinned to a baby's blanket as protection. By the 18th century, the heart had taken on a slightly different meaning — they were given to a loved one as proof of being 'bewitched'

The dimensions of this pin are 3/4 inch in height and 13/16 inch across. Weight is 2.8 grams. I could not find any hallmark, but I had the gold tested at 9 carat or above. Condition is original and superb, the only thing to note is the tiny separation in the gold frame at the back and there may have been a repair to the hinge. Neither of these detracts and are commensurate with the age of the piece.

A wonderful Victorian piece of fine craftsmanship and immensely collectable.