Edwardian 15ct Gold, Ruby & Diamond Lover’s Knot Brooch

This brooch is a real token of love. It is composed of a lover’s knotA type of finger ring, often worn as a betrothal ring or an engagement ring, but sometimes merely as a token of affection, having the bezel made from twisted wire so as to form a complicated four-loop knot. Such rings were so worn engraved with a simple inscription or merely an appropriate symbol. set with rubies which represent love and diamonds which mean forever. It was made circa 1900-1910. The Knot design is also known as a “Stafford knot” brooch. The knot was the badge of the Stafford family. One legend of its origin is that three convicted criminals who had committed a crime together were due to be executed in Stafford gaol. There was an argument over who should be hanged first but the hangman solved the problem by devising this knot and hanging the three simultaneously. However, the knot can be seen on a carved Anglo-Saxon cross in a churchyard in Stoke-upon-Trent, and also on a 7th-century Anglo-Saxon object from the Staffordshire hoard. This strongly suggests it pre-dates the Norman and medieval period, being probably either a heraldic symbol of early Mercia or a Celtic Christian symbol brought to Staffordshire by missionary monks from Lindisfarne. It should be worn upside down if you want to wear it as a Stafford knot.