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This unusual and rare late 18th century Italian gold ring is a powerful symbol of love, protection, and transformation. Crafted in 18K gold and weighing 5.14 grams, it takes the form of a "witch's heart"—a heart with a curved tail, once used to ward off evil but later adopted across Europe as a romantic token of being “bewitched” with love.Set with a rich array of flat-cut rubies and a few glinting rose-cut diamonds at its centre, the gemstones echo the sentimental traditions of the Georgian period, when each material carried deep symbolic meaning. Rubies were said to represent passion, while diamonds stood for loyalty and eternal love.By the 18th century, the witch’s heart had evolved from its Scottish origins as a talisman against the evil eye into a romantic gesture. These rings were often gifted between lovers, carrying with them the double meaning of devotion and protection.This heart-shaped panel measures 2 x 1.5 cm and is flanked by decorative ribbon-like shoulders, with additional rubies set on either side. Above the heart is a flame to signify “burning with passion”. It could also be interpreted as the sacred heart depicted with a flame representing devotional or religious love.The ring has been stamped with a French owl import mark, confirming its 18K gold fineness.UK size M½ (US 6.5). In good antique condition, with stones securely set and the design beautifully preserved.An extraordinary piece of symbolic Georgian era jewellery, steeped in folklore and sentiment.
This unusual and rare late 18th century Italian gold ring is a powerful symbol of love, protection, and transformation. Crafted in 18K gold and weighing 5.14 grams, it takes the form of a "witch's heart"—a heart with a curved tail, once used to ward off evil but later adopted across Europe as a romantic token of being “bewitched” with love.
Set with a rich array of flat-cut rubies and a few glinting rose-cut diamonds at its centre, the gemstones echo the sentimental traditions of the Georgian period, when each material carried deep symbolic meaning. Rubies were said to represent passion, while diamonds stood for loyalty and eternal love.
By the 18th century, the witch’s heart had evolved from its Scottish origins as a talisman against the evil eye into a romantic gesture. These rings were often gifted between lovers, carrying with them the double meaning of devotion and protection.
This heart-shaped panel measures 2 x 1.5 cm and is flanked by decorative ribbon-like shoulders, with additional rubies set on either side. Above the heart is a flame to signify “burning with passion”. It could also be interpreted as the sacred heart depicted with a flame representing devotional or religious love.
The ring has been stamped with a French owl import mark, confirming its 18K gold fineness.
UK size M½ (US 6.5). In good antique condition, with stones securely set and the design beautifully preserved.
An extraordinary piece of symbolic Georgian era jewellery, steeped in folklore and sentiment.
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