Mizpah brooches – Sentimental antique jewellery
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I love victorian brooches and often come across sentimental pieces from the Victorian and Edwardian eras. Mizpah brooches were given between parted lovers – they all have one thing in common the word “Mizpah” and the legend ” may the Lord watch between me and thee when we are absent one from another”.
I didnt quite understand how the word Mizpah was connected with the words and have discovered the following entry on Wiki :
Mizpah brooch
Mizpah
is an emotional bond between people who are separated (either physically or by death). Mizpah jewellery is worn to signify this bond and the word “mizpah” can often be found on headstones in cemeteries and on other memorials. From Genesis 31:49 of the Bible
“And Mizpah; for he said, The Lord watch between me and thee, when we are absent one from another.”
I understand the reference to Mizpah from Gen 31:49 but what is the connection with Scotland of the Mizpah brooch where they were particularly common and often had scottish themes?
Hi Susette,
I too have seen many Scottish theme brooches with Mizpah. The ones I have seen have “Mizpah” impressed into the reverse rather than as part of the decoration. I believe that these were all made by a company using “Mizpah” as a trade mark and the ones I have seen date from circa 1960s and 1970s. Have you seen any Scottish Mizpah which are older?
Wonderful mizpah-charm.
Nice work.
If you are interested in mizpah charms, please also have look at this site on http://www.mizpah.tv/shop.
They got a nice mizpah collection.
Hi Claire,
Yes – if you are looking for new they do seem to have a nice selection. Perhaps they would make a good stop gap whilst a genuine vintage Mizpah is being located?
Anne
Thanks for the link Claire. Great site!
I just bought me an item from there collection.
Very helpful!
Thank you so much Claire – the Mizpahs from Helena Lind are lovely and guess what I’ve just ordered.
There is a lot to read and learn about Mizpah on http://www.mizpah.tv.
Great site and real good stuff written by Helena Lind.
Home for the heart.
http://www.pj.baker.btinternet.co.uk/mizpah.htm
Thank you for mentioning my site
It is purely a collection for my own enjoyment but it is lovely to share what I have for others to see