The Luckenbooth

The Luckenbooth

A Scottish heart-shaped design originally most often made into a brooch, the Luckenbooth features either one heart or two intertwined hearts and may be topped by a crown. It is typically made of silver (common for "lucky" charms); it may be engraved with names, dates or mottoes; and/or may be set with stones - ranging from inexpensive glass "gems" through to precious and semi-precious stones such as amethysts and garnets. These days, many other jewellery pieces such as rings, pendants and earrings also feature the Luckenbooth.

"Luckenbooth" is the Scots word for a lockable stall or workshop; starting in the 15th century, many such "booths" were located on the Royal Mile in Edinburgh near St Giles Cathedral. Run by gold-and silversmiths, they sold jewellery and trinkets and were the city's first permanent shops, finally being demolished in 1817.

 Heart-shaped jewellery dates back to late medieval times in Europe and spread from there, with the Irish Claddagh also featuring heart and crown motifs. In Scotland, Luckenbooth jewellery was traditionally given as a symbol of loyalty and love, and also as a betrothal or wedding gift. Particularly when topped with a crown motif, it has links to Mary Queen of Scots, with stories that she was given one as an engagement brooch by the Dauphin of France and also that Lord Darnley gifted her one as a symbol of his love and devotion. The curved top of the heart is also sometimes seen as representing the letter "M".

Other associations are as a protective talisman; the Luckenbooth was sometimes referred to as a witch's or faerie's heart and thought to ward off supernatural forces such as the "evil eye", evil spirits, daemons and wicked faeries. Pinning a Luckenbooth brooch to a baby's clothing to protect it from harm was a common use.

The Luckenbooth remains one of the most popular emblems of Scotland, conveying deep associations with love, loyalty and protection.