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.

Fertility:

For thousands of years fertility was one of the most important concerns in daily life.  Many gods, goddesses, and animals have been used as talismans to enhance the fertility of both the earth and of people. The fertillity of the earth, and her ability to provide rain,  abundant crops for food, and a plentitude of animals for food, clothing, and work was a popular theme for amulets. The fruitful union of man and woman and the continuation of the human species was a common worry for many cultures and many different types of amulets were worn to enhance fertility and to invoke successful childbirth.

Photos:

Top Left:  Cave Dwellers, fron the Fringe Collection

Bottom Right:  Cave Dwellers, from the Fringe Collection

                         Pendants from the KatieO Collection