Charmstone

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This crystal is in a 17th-century silver gilt mount. It was probably kept or used as a charm or protective device.

The charmstone is oval-shaped. The crystal is ridged and may be derived from an earlier reliquary. The mount has one decorative stud at each side and on the bottom. There is a suspension loop, to which a chain could be attached.

The chain may have allowed the charmstone to be worn around the neck. It is more likely however that it was used to dip the charm in water which could be given to people or animals as a drink to cure disease or prevent illness.

Record details

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• Online ID: 000-100-002-955-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  H.NO 110
• Date: 17th century
  
• Material: Crystal; silver gilt
  
• Dimensions: 67 mm L x 39 mm W x 20 mm D
  
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• Description: Oval, possibly hog-backed, crystal charm stone mounted in silver gilt with a suspension loop, one decorative stud at each side and on the bottom
  
• References:
  • Black, G.F. 'Scottish Charms and Amulets' Proceedings of the Society of Antiquities of Scotland XXVII (1892-3), pp 433-526 
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