Lovely antique gold filled witch's heart charm with an engraving of a cross, grasses and what looks like a symbolic stream of water. Measures 9/16" x 1/2". In wonderful condition. The bail is made of ordinary base metal.
What is a witch's heart?
It is a heart whose "tail" twists to one side (almost always the right side). This particular shape has been in use since the 15th century. Popular in Scotland in the 17th century, where it gained the name Luckenbooth, after the closed booths where they were sold as tokens that might ward off evil spirits and protect loved ones. By the 18th century, these hearts were given as love tokens, proof of being "bewitched." Early witch's hearts are commonly made of garnets. A double heart generally indicates a committed love relationship, such as betrothal or marriage.
