Heart brooches - Beloved children have many names

Heart brooch, Mary brooch and Crown brooch - Beloved children have many names and this type of brooch has exciting symbolism attached to it from ancient times.


​Photo: Anne-Lise Reinsfelt / Norsk Folkemuseum

As the name suggests, the heart brooch is a heart-shaped brooch originating from the small heart pins that hold the bunad shirt together. They are available in different sizes, both with and without pendants.

This photo shows an old heart pin from Heddal in Telemark, shaped like a heart with a crown at the top. These type of pin hold the bunad shirt together.

From left: Oxidised heart brooch that is widely used in areas including Gudbrandsalen, Graffer and Dovre. Heart brooch in silver with gilded leaves for Agder and oxidised heart brooch for Østfold.

Heart brooches have been found as far back as the 1300s but it was not until the 1700-1800s that its use escalated throughout the country. In the settlements on the flat plains of Eastern Norway, in Østerdalen, Gudbrandsdalen and Sør-Trøndelag it has lasted longer, so there are more national costumes from these areas that still use the heart brooch to this day.

Religious symbol

There was a lot of superstition linked to the brooches. Silver had a power that could bring happiness and protect against evil powers. Quarter of a century after Christianity arrived in Norway, symbols were given religious meanings.

  1. Five-pointed crown - crown of victory The divine winner of love with the 5 sacred wounds of Jesus.
  2. Heart-shape - symbol of the Love of Christ but is also associated with the crowned immaculate heart of the Virgin Mary. 
  3. Almond-shaped leaf - "Mandorla Mistica", symbol of the immaculate conception by the Holy Spirit.
  4. Rhombus-shaped leaf - symbol of the Creation and new life

Wearing inherited silver is a truly cherished experience like no other.

Have you inherited a heart brooch?

For several hundred years, this type of brooch has been common throughout Norway, and many people have inherited an old heart brooch. Maybe you are one of them? They often wonder whether these heart brooches can be worn on a bunad that should originally have a different type of brooch. The resounding answer is: Yes!

But it doesn't stop there; these cherished heirlooms can also be worn on a dress or jacket lapel, and why note elevate a simple blouse with their elegance? In essence, you can enjoy the brooch’s beauty well beyond its role as a bunad accessory. After all, there is nothing quite as special as inherited jewelry – the memories and stories linked with it transcend everything. So, wear the brooch with pride and honor its rich history.