Toadstones are mythical stones that were thought to be found in the heads of toads. They were supposed to be an antidote to poison and were believed to sweat, change colour or even heat up in the presence of poison and that placing them on bites from snakes, insects, spiders and shrews would extract poison from the wound. They were thought to bring good luck or ward off evil, whether in the present life or in the afterlife.
The Book of Secrets from the 13th century recommends swallowing the stone to "cleanse the bowels of filth and excrements". The stone could then be retrieved and used again. In Europe, they were often made into charms and talismans until the 18th century. Mothers wore toadstones to protect their children from being swapped for changelings by fairies.
Toadstones are actually the fossilized teeth of an extinct type of fish from the Jurassic and Cretaceous periods, over 200 to 100 million years old.
This toadstone necklace features a toadstone set into a fine and sterling silver setting, surrounded cast twig shank. The pendant has been oxidized and polished to bring out the details and to give it an old world feel. It is 3/4" in diameter (not including the hanging bail) and hangs from an 18" sterling silver italian chain, with my maker's mark tag. You will receive the pictured necklace.
Image of toadstone being retrieved from toad's head from the Hortus sanitatis, published in Mainz in 1491.
* This listing is for charm only, on a large soldered jump ring.
* This item is made to order. Please email to inquire.
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