Wolf 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.

Wolf:

The wolf is a symbol of power, courage, and intelligence.  It is associated with the moon and hunting.  Throughout Europe the wolf was the emblem of warriors and a symbol of victory.  In some Native American tribes the wolf was considered to have supernatural powers and was thought to be a guide for the spirits in the afterlife, and was a symbol of power and protection.

Photos:  Lone Wolf, from the Mens Heritage Necklace Collection