Rare Georgian 14/15ct Gold/Silver Diamond & Cabochon Garnet Witches Heart Overlaid Faith Hope & Charity Mariner Lovers Brooch/Pin.
£1,995.00
DESCRIPTION AND CONDITION
Mounted in 14ct rose gold, the 14ct Yellow gold pin is a later Victorian addition with safety catch (NB: jewellery of this date is very rarely stamped, but the gold parts are tested as 14-15ct) The background image is of an anchor formed of silver mounted European Rose cut diamonds, characteristic of the period. All 18 diamonds are natural, original and securely mounted . The stunningly coloured large carbuncle garnet is excellent: it sits atop the anchor, overlaid by an incised cross inlaid with 14/15ct rose gold. Condition is excellent. As noted the pin mount is a little later, but most likely replaces earlier brooch fittings as it was likely always intended for wearing as a pin.
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Dimensions:
GARNET WITCHES HEART (APPROX 15 CARATS)
HEIGHT:- 16mm
WIDTH:- 17mm
DEPTH:- 12mm
Brooch:-
HEIGHT:- 33mm
WIDTH:- 17mm
Diamonds:
PRINCIPAL:- 5x4mm
17 OTHERS:- 1-2.1mm
WEIGHT:- 7.8g
Origin:- EUROPEAN
Materials:- STERLING SILVER/ 14-15ct ROSE GOLD/ EUROPEAN CUT DIAMONDS/ CABOCHON CUT GARNET CARBUNCLE
Era:- GEORGIAN/ 18th CENTURY
Stamps:- UNMARKED BUT TESTED
Handmade:- YES
Original:- YES
Here we have an exquisite, extraordinarily rare Museum quality, one-of-a-kind, handmade 18th century antique prophylactic amulet; replete with layers of deeply Spiritual symbolic meaning, with Romantic and protective purpose.
HISTORY AND DESCRIPTION
The image of the Witches Heart is a well known Romantic motif amongst lovers of Georgian and Victorian jewellery. They are usually found as lace-pins in the form of an open heart, it’s tail twisting to the right. Typically, small flat cut garnet stones are pave set into the outline of an open heart.
For the Georgians, Garnets were extremely popular as they symbolised love and friendship. However, the witches Heart incorporated into this unique and deeply symbolic piece is very different to the usual 18th and 19th century Witches Heart. It is carved from one solid, rich, deep raspberry toned garnet carbuncle. I have never seen anything similar before.
It is only in the 18th century the meaning and function of the Witches Heart evolved from its use as a prophylactic against evil ( as it’s name infers: the twisted tail Witches Heart was popular throughout Europe from the 15th century, particularly utilised as talismans to protect women and newborns from Witchery and Evil spirits) to becoming used as a Romantic symbol, coming to mean ‘you have bewitched my heart ‘.
It is quite likely that this jewel was made during this transition of symbolic meaning: the design combination of layered motifs suggests that here the Witches Heart symbol performs a double function: as both talismanic protector of the loved one (wearer) as well as projecting it’s message of true love.
THE THREE VIRTUES: FAITH, HOPE, CHARITY (LOVE)
The motifs of Cross, Anchor, and Heart are well known Christian symbols, taught by Saint Paul to signify the three virtues, or core tenets of living a Christian life. The cross upon which Christ was crucified represents Faith, and is a reminder of His sacrifice. The Anchor symbolises Hope; it represents solidity, immovability, reliability and trust. And the Heart means Charity/Love, loving our enemies as our families, helping the needy, and also love itself, it’s purity, goodness and ability to heal, but also it’s warmth and richness.
I have never before seen, nor been able to find any other subsequent examples of antique jewellery featuring the ‘precious triad’ (as it is also known) where the heart is a Witches Heart. I have researched as far as I can, but antique examples of the symbols overlaid like this are exceptionally rare, and I can find nothing even remotely similar to this. I did however learn that jewellery featuring Faith Hope and Charity in the precious triad form was given between lovers set to be separated, particularly by the sea.