Luckenbooth history:

The luckenbooth dates from the late sixteenth century. It originated as a brooch that merchants wore in Edinburgh along the “Royal Mile” who sold their goods out of locked booths. The brooches had to be worn to show that the merchant had purchased a license to sell their goods.

Early Luckenbooths:

The first luckenbooth brooches were very small. Later a tradition developed in which the luckenbooth was given to a man’s sweetheart on their betrothal. It was also considered a lucky charm, that would protect its wearer against the evil eye. Among the other powers attributed to the luckenbooth was easing the pain of childbirth. If pinned to a baby’s shawl, it will protect the child from being stolen by fairies.

During the 18th and 19th centuries the luckenbooth became larger and more elaborate. They were often inscribed on the back with biblical quotes, names or initials, of the couple and the date of their wedding.

Queen Mary Luckenbooths:

In the late 1800’s the intertwined hearts that form the lower half of the brooch came to resemble the letter M. Fleur de lis and thistles also became common elements. These became known as Mary’s Brooches or “Queen Mary’s Brooches.” This was because Mary Queen of Scots husband, Lord Darnley had given her a special one.

Modern Luckenbooths:

Most contemporary luckenbooth brooches are in the form of two intertwined hearts topped with a crown. In Victorian times they were often set with garnets. Garnets were believed to have a positive influence on love and symbolized love, constancy, and friendship. The Victorian versions of the luckenbooth brooch were decorated with gems of different colors.

The Luckenbooth in America:

Scottish fur traders exchanged simple silver luckenbooths for furs with Native Americans who loved them well before the founding of the US. Some of those brooches have been passed down for generations, and are treasured keepsakes in those native American families.

Our Face Book Photos are also a good way to get ideas for something that we can make for you. It is also a good place to see a wide range of our work.  https://www.facebook.com/Postgate-Fine-Jewelers-111540785537658/photos/?view_public_for=111540785537658&ref=page_internal

Orders:

Our Scottish jewelry and the pieces for sale on our site will ship out within three days of payment. We can also make you a version of almost any of them as a custom order. We make them in any size, in 14K rose; white or yellow gold. You may also order in 18K yellow or white gold, or 22K yellow gold. We do not make all of our pieces in silver. You can choose your stone(s) as well, and we will supply them from one of our trusted and long time suppliers.

Custom orders

If you want something that you just can’t find, perhaps we can make it special for you? Orders usually go out in less than six months depending on our schedule and complexity of the design. We will let you know when you order, when you should expect to receive your ring. The waxes section of our site explains how ordering a custom piece works. https://postgatejewelers.com/waxes/