
The Luckenbooth Brooch is a traditional Scottish wedding brooch given to the bride by the groom on their wedding day, and subsequently pinned to the shawl of the first baby to protect it from evil spirits. The Luckenbooth has figures very similar to the Claddagh Ring, and a similar purpose of being a love token. The luckenbooth charm also continues the traditional theme of heart and crown. These brooches were often known as Luckenbooth brooches because they were sold from locked booths in the jewellery quarter of St. Giles, Edinburgh. During the 16th to 18th centuries there were two main styles of brooches in Scotland; one was the ring brooch, often with incised decoration, and used to fasten plaids by both men and women. The other brooch was a heart shaped one, often given at weddings and engagements as tokens of love. From the 18th century onwards small plain heart shaped brooches were worn to protect against evil spirits, the evil eye or the attention of the fairies. These are the famous Luckenbooth Brooches. Our Sterling Silver Chain comes with a substantial lobster claw fastener. Approx. Pendant size : 1.8 centimetre drop length x 1 centimetre width at the widest point. Approx. Sterling Silver Chain length : 46 centimetre (18 inch). Weight : 3 grams (including chain). OR Approx. Sterling Silver Chain length : 56 centimetre (20 inch with 2 inch extension). Weight : 3 grams (including chain). Image copyright UNYKTOUCH (all rights reserved). |