A Victorian-era witch’s heart locket,beautifully madein 15k gold, and attributed to the jewelers Child & Child.Our bewitched heart’s glossy, red, guilloche enamel center features a subtle diamond shaped guilloche pattern. It is encircledby a slim band of white enamel, and thisborder is decorated with charming gold polka dots. The heart’s reverse has a lift-out, glazed, locket compartment, meant to hold a lock of hair, a photograph, or another smallephemeral object. The locket’s original decorative bail is enameled to match its red center. A small piece of silk holds space inside the locket compartment. This is arare and wonderful jewel—its red and white color way calls the queen of hearts to mind.

A witch's heart isa heart shape that isformed with its point curved to one side— originally worn as an amulet to protect the wearer from "witches,"this heart with a curved tail came to be a symbol of a "bewitched heart." Witch's hearts would be given as gifts to one's beloved, or to someone whose heart the giver hoped to win.

Materials

15k gold
Enamel
Crystal

Age

c. 1880 - 1890

Dimensions

Measures approx 28.8 x 17.3 mm total (including bail); heart is approx 19.8 x 17.3 mm (without bail); depth is approx 4.5 mm.