Close-up of black enamel nail head details

Links of London Horseshoe Charm – Sterling Silver with Black Enamel

The Links of London Horseshoe Charm with Black Enamel Nail Heads is a beautifully detailed version of one of the brand’s most timeless good luck motifs. While Links of London produced multiple horseshoe-themed charms over the years, this distinctive style stands out for its realistic nail head detailing and classic sterling silver shine.

Design & Features

This version is crafted in solid 925 sterling silver with six black enamel nail heads carefully applied along the curve of the horseshoe, adding an authentic touch that echoes a real horseshoe’s design. The charm’s back is smoothly polished, highlighting the contrast between the high shine silver and the dark enamel accents.

  • Material: Solid 925 sterling silver with black enamel detailing
  • Front: Six black enamel nail heads for a realistic horseshoe look
  • Back: Polished plain sterling silver
  • Dimensions: Approx. 19mm high, 14mm wide, 2mm thick
  • Bail: Standard Links of London oval charm bail (approx. 9mm × 7mm), hallmarked “LL 925” with date letter (our documented piece is 2010)
  • Split Ring: Originally supplied with a split ring for Sweetie bracelet styling

Period & Collection

This enamel-detailed version was available from around the late 2000s into the early 2010s, fitting within the brand’s Timeless Charms series. It offered a step up in detail from the completely plain horseshoe charms and served as an alternative to more playful designs like the horseshoe with clover or heart details.

How It Compares

Links of London created several horseshoe charms over the years:

  • Lucky Horseshoe with Clover: Sterling silver with a small red enamel four-leaf clover attached — a classic vintage design.
  • Mini Horseshoe with Heart: A petite version with a gold vermeil heart accent, designed for the Mini Sweetie range.
  • Ascot Horseshoe Keepsake: Released in 2017 for Royal Ascot, available in silver or gold vermeil — a clean, emblematic horseshoe with no enamel.
  • Limited Edition Gold Horseshoe: An 18ct gold and diamond pavé horseshoe charm engraved with the London 2012 Olympics logo — the rarest and most luxurious version.
  • This Version: The black enamel nail head charm sits perfectly between plain and decorative — offering realism without extra motifs.

Rarity & Collectibility

While not as rare as some limited editions, the black enamel nail head version is less common than the fully plain horseshoe or the Lucky Horseshoe with Clover. Collectors prize it for its subtle detailing, realistic vibe, and classic Links of London hallmarks. Always check that the enamel is intact and the bail carries the full “LL 925” mark with the appropriate date letter.

Example from The Archive

Our documented example is hallmarked for 2010, measuring approx. 19mm high × 14mm wide × 2mm thick. The charm has been professionally cleaned and polished, with the enamel nail heads showing gentle age-appropriate burnish but no major loss. It retains its split ring for easy Sweetie bracelet styling.

FAQs

Was this version limited edition?

No. It was part of the standard collection at the time but is now discontinued and only available as a vintage piece.

Does it come in other finishes?

This specific enamel nail head version is only documented in sterling silver with black enamel. It was not produced in gold vermeil or with gemstones.

What does the horseshoe symbolise?

The horseshoe is a classic good luck charm, believed to protect the wearer and attract fortune — a timeless addition to any charm bracelet.

Can it be worn on a Sweetie bracelet?

Yes. It includes a standard bail and split ring, making it easy to attach to Sweetie bracelets or pair with necklaces up to 5mm wide.

🔗 Explore more vintage Links of London charms in The Vault.

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