Charmstone, owned by the Stewarts of Ardsheal, Appin, Argyllshire

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This crystal ball charmstone belonged to the Stewarts of Ardsheal in Argyllshire. The silver mounts enclosing the charmstone date from the 16th or 17th century.

The charmstone has a suspension loop, to which a chain is attached.

The chain enabled the charm to be dipped in water which could be given to people or animals as a drink to cure disease or prevent illness. The act of dipping the charm was accompanied by a verbal charm or prayer.

Record details

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• Online ID: 000-100-002-748-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  H.NO 72
• Date: 16th or 17th century
  
• Material: Silver; rock crystal
  Charmstone
  
• Dimensions: 41 mm D
  
• What: Charmstone
  
• Subject: Jewellery: charms, amulets (NMAS Classification)
  
• Who: Stewart of Ardsheal (Owner)
  
• Where: Scotland, Argyll, Ardsheal
  
• Event:
• Description: Rock crystal ball with a silver frame and chain, the charmstone of the Stewarts of Ardsheal
  
• References:
  • Black, G.F. 'Scottish Charms and Amulets' Proceedings of the Society of Antiquities of Scotland XXVII (1892-3), pp 433-526 
• Translations:
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