The identifying trait of a witch's heart is its twisted tail. Beginning in Scotland in the 17 th century, these hearts served as talismans against witches and evil spirits, which people were convinced existed. In Georgian times, the witch's heart became a love message signaling that one was bewitched by love. This diamond heart is set in silver with a gold wash on the reverse. Emily explains that in the 18 th century, the preferred metal to set diamonds was silver, but gold was applied to the silver in order to protect one's clothing from tarnish. Emily added this to the curation in hopes that either a man or woman might wear it for a wedding or make it an amorous gift. Hint, hint! Probably England, ca 1780
