HUMANS HAVE CARRIED and worn lucky charms forever. Although the 19th and 20th centuries were thought to be ages of reason and science (and definitely not superstition) people still kept horseshoes close, just in case. Iron was believed to guard against trouble, so full-size shoes were nailed above doorways. The crescent shape also reached back to much older, pre-Christian lunar goddesses of protection. Here, 19 old European cut diamonds form the curve of the shoe, and pretty moon-shaped openings let light in behind the stones.
MATERIALS: 14k gold (tests), silver, 19 1.5mm old European cut diamonds, new 14k gold chain
AGE: c. 1890
CONDITION: Very good - likely converted from a stickpin into a pendant
SIZE: 3/4" length including the bale, 1/2" width, 18" chain