Handcast 925 Sterling Silver Scottish Luckenbooth Thistle Pendant

The traditional Scottish Luckenbooth design often has a crown above one heart, or two intertwined hearts. The name comes from the luckenbooths of Edinburgh where jewelry and trinkets used to be sold. Luckenbooth is a Scots word for a lockable stall or workshop. The Edinburgh booths were situated on the Royal Mile near St Giles Cathedral. They were the city's first permanent shops, going back to the 15th century, and initially housing mainly silversmiths and goldsmiths. They were demolished in 1817. The luckenbooth is a traditional Scottish love token. It is often given as a betrothal or wedding brooch. It might be worn by a nursing mother as a charm to help her milk flow, and/or be pinned to a baby's clothing to protect it from harm. It was known as a witch-brooch by people using it to save children from the evil eye. The luckenbooth has motifs similar to the Claddagh ring, also using the heart and crown. The Scottish Thistle is the national flower of Scotland. According to a legend, an invading Norse army was attempting to sneak up at night upon a Scottish army's encampment. During this operation one barefoot Norseman had the misfortune to step upon a thistle, causing him to cry out in pain, thus alerting Scots to the presence of the Norse invaders. Cast from solid, stamped 925 Sterling Silver Nickle free. Length approx. 1.2" (including bail). Width approx.0.75." Weight approx. 5 grams. Inclusive 18" long 925 Sterling Silver Box chain or 18" Surgical Stainless Steel Cable Link Chain. Jewelry gift box. Longer chains available for a surcharge.