Edwardian Stafford Knot Brooch set with Old Mine Cut Diamonds

An unusual brooch in the form of a lover’s knot that was made circa 1900-1910. It has been set with old mine cut diamonds. These brooches are often called Lover’s knot brooches but they are also called “Stafford Knot” brooches. The Earls of Stafford retained the knot for use on heraldic badges, although the exact date of use is unknown. 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 also be seen on a carved Anglo-Saxon cross in a churchyard in Stoke-upon-Trent, and 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.The design also closely matches the early design of the pretzel, which was made to represent arms crossed in prayer. So you can take your pick of a Lovers knot or a Stafford Knot. Either way it looks lovely when worn.