 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.
Triangle:
One of the most powerful geometric symbols is the equilateral triangle. In early European cultures the number three was the basic number in which all things could be categorized : birth - life - death, start - middle -end, past - present - future, heaven - earth - water. The upward facing triangle symbolizes the sun, fire, life, mountain, divinity, ascent, and masculine energy. The downward facing triangle symbolizes the moon, water, rain, fruitfulness, heavenly grace, and female energy. In Native American cultures the upward facing triangle symbolizes wisdom, inner knowledge, equality, and sensitivity. All points of view united in a divine point. The downward facing triangle represents ones trust in divine guidance, and acknowledges that we are the cause, creator of everything that happens to us. Photos: Top Left: Blue Pyramid, from the Treasure Chest Collection Bottom Right: Blue Pyramid, from the Treasure Chest Collection Sun Goddess, from the Fringe Collection Telsum pendanat from the KatieO Collection
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