 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.
 Peacock:
The peacock is a symbol of immortality, royalty, pride, and longevity. It represents the sun, with its tail being the vault of heaven and the eyes in the tail the stars. In India and Iran the wheel like display of the male peacocks tail was a symbol of the all seeing sun and eternal cycles of the cosmos. In Buddhism the peacock represents compassionate watchfulness. In China the peacock was a symbol of rank and dignity. Photos: Top Left: Preening Peacock, from the Fringe Collection Bottom Right: Preening Peacock, from the Fringe Collection Pendants from the KatieO Collection
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