{"product_id":"late-18th-century-witch-s-heart-ring-georgian-diamond-love-token-ring-in-21k-go","title":"Georgian Witch’s Heart Ring","description":"\u003cdiv\u003eA rare late 18th century Witch’s Heart ring, dating to circa 1790\/1800 and crafted in rich high karat gold. This ring displays the twisted heart motif associated with the long tradition of “bewitchment” jewellery; symbolic rings exchanged as talismans of protection, fidelity, and romantic devotion.\u003c\/div\u003e\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\u003cdiv\u003eThe Witch’s Heart motif can be traced back to at least the 15th century and is characterised by a heart whose tail curves or twists dramatically to one side. Examples are strongly associated with Scotland and the Highlands, though the form is also linked to Germanic traditions, where such jewels were known as \u003cem\u003eHexenherz\u003c\/em\u003e (“witch’s heart”). In Continental Europe, these forms were believed to ward against evil spirits and witchcraft. By the Georgian period, however, the motif had evolved into a sentimental love token; the wearer symbolically “bewitched” by love.\u003c\/div\u003e\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\u003cdiv\u003eThis ring is fashioned in 21K gold and features an elegant asymmetrical heart with finely engraved decoration and openwork scrolling shoulders of delicate late Georgian character. A later French eagle control mark indicates a minimum fineness of 18K gold, though the piece tests higher, at approximately 21K.\u003c\/div\u003e\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\u003cdiv\u003eThe heart measures approximately 12 x 11mm. Ring size T (US size 9.75).\u003c\/div\u003e\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\u003cdiv\u003eWitch’s heart rings remain uncommon survivals. Their combination of folk symbolism, romantic meaning, and regional tradition has made them increasingly sought-after among collectors of Georgian jewellery and antique love tokens.\u003c\/div\u003e\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\u003cdiv\u003eCondition is very good overall for age, with expected light surface wear consistent with over two centuries of use.\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Ravensbury Antiques","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":49127651410228,"sku":"1017810301","price":4582.0,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0708\/6784\/5428\/files\/DSC_0312_3539836.jpg?v=1778774092","url":"https:\/\/ravensburyantiques.com\/en-nz\/products\/late-18th-century-witch-s-heart-ring-georgian-diamond-love-token-ring-in-21k-go","provider":"Ravensbury Antiques","version":"1.0","type":"link"}