 Amulets and Symbols in Jewelry Design
Whether you call them amulets, charms, fetishes, or talismans, virtually every culture had them. I like to think of them as little works of art, but they are so much more than that. They were worn on the body to bring luck, heal, enhance fertility, protect against injury (during travel, hunting, or from bites and stings) or ward off evil, depending on the wearers beliefs and intentions. They came in many forms, made with different materials, and adorned with different symbols. The meaning and significance in the symbolism of a particular image changed from east to west, culture to culture, and even day to day. Even if you do not believe in their magical powers, it is fun to know the intention of the artists who created them, and the power felt by the person who wore them before you, as many of the pieces are antiques. Below is a list of amulets and symbols found in many of the pendants and beads in KatieO jewelry.
 Deer:
The Deer is a symbol of grace, beauty, speed, divinity, and fertility. Throughout Europe the deer was a divine symbol and represented the harvest, abundance, and renewal. In Islam the soulful eyes of the deer symboloize the contemplative life. In parts of Africa the antelope was a fertlity symbol and beleived to be responsible for bringing agricultural skills to humankind. In China the deer was a symbol of light, purity, regeneration, and spirituality. It was associated with the east, dawn, and feminie energy. Photos: Top Left: Artemis, from the Treasure Chest Collection Bottom Right: Artemis, from the Treasure Chest Collection Pendants from the KatieO Collection
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