Charmstone

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This crystal ball charmstone is enclosed by silver mounts dating from the 16th or 17th century.

A suspension loop is attached to the silver mounts, 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: 000-100-002-750-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  H.NO 74
• Date: 16th or 17th century
  
• Material: Rock crystal; silver
  
• Dimensions: 59 mm L x 42 mm Dia
  
• What:
• Subject: Jewellery: charms, amulets (NMAS Classification)
  
• Who:
• Where:
• Event:
• Description: Rock crystal charmstone mounted in a setting of four silver bands
  
• References:
  • Black, G.F. 'Scottish Charms and Amulets' Proceedings of the Society of Antiquities of Scotland XXVII (1892-3), pp 433-526 
• Translations:
• Related Records: