Sterling Silver Crowned Luckenbooth Brooch with a Cabochon Blue Paste Stone, Vintage

A Scottish vintage silver Crowned Luckenbooth brooch with a cabochon blue paste stone set in the hearts centre. Made in the Victorian style and of hollow construction, the Crown is higher than normal and has 5 points, very well made and surprisingly, not marked in any way. Age: I did think it was 1890s because of the pin and "C" catch but on mature thought it s more than likely 1920s-1930s, hence "Victorian style". Partially cleaned and nicely toned in the sections that do not rub against clothing. The name Luckenbooth originated from the locking booths that where close to the Cathedral and on the Royal Mile in Edinburgh, in the 1700s. There are lots of stories and old beliefs to go with Luckenbooth brooches, some that come to mind are, protection for children from witches and the evil eye; a traditional love or betrothal token; one supposedly given by Mary Queen of Scots to her lover Lord Darnley and some fancy that the crown to the brooch was instigated by the Queen as a stylised "M" for Mary.