Bewitched : Victorian Malachite ‘Witches Heart’ Earrings

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A little offering from my personal collection 💚 I’m not wearing these lovely things nearly enough and I believe unusual special treasures like these deserve to be in the spotlight getting all the compliments, so here they are, looking for a new face to grace.

In the Victorian era jewellery in the shape of ‘witches hearts’ was given as a token of affection from one sweetheart to another – the witches heart shape meaning that the giver had been ‘bewitched’ by his love. These earrings also bear a striking resemblance to ivy leaves with the deep green malachite and silver tendrils. Ivy in the Victorian coded symbolic language meant “cling to me”. These symbols indicate that these jewels were definitely intended as a very sentimental gift of love.

Originally the earrings had screw-backs for non pierced ears – the remains of which are the silver bubble at the back. These bubbles can’t be seen when worn. It’s possible that they could be removed, I haven’t felt it necessary to do so. While I wasn’t the person who removed the screw backs, but I did commission my clever friend Claire Brooks to make the perfect extra long shepherds hooks for them so that they would hang 👌 just right, and they really, really do. (Thanks wizard lady!) While the hooks are not original, the engraved silver tendrils that curl up to meet the hook most certainly are.

The malachite is in fabulous condition with no chips or scratches. It’s not highly polished – more of a satin sheen. These could be re-polished by a jeweller if you prefer a really high gloss, but I love them as they are.

The earring measurements are:
A drop of 34mm.
They measure 27mm from the top of the silver loop to the tip of the heart. They are 14.5mm wide and 5.5mm thick.
Weighs 6 grams (3 grams each)

P.S. Green is fabulous for your heart chakra, so if your heart could use a little healing or balance, these might help.

Description

Stunning Victorian Era earrings in the shape of “witches hearts” fashioned out of malachite and sterling silver. These earrings date to 1860 – 1880.
Originally they had screw-backs for non-pierced ears. I was not the person who removed the screw-backs, but I did have some extra long shepherds hooks handmade so that they would dangle gracefully.

The earrings have a drop of 34mm.
They measure 27mm from the top of the silver loop to the tip of the heart. They are 14.5mm wide and 5.5mm thick.
Weighs 6 grams (3 grams each)