We all think we need good luck to help our destinies – and many of us have turned to our jewels to bring us luck, romance and protect us against evil. This is why amulets and talisman (both thought to have magical powers since early civilization) have never gone out of style. They may have changed from naive designs to more elaborate crafted tokens and totems –but the symbolism, spirituality and significance remain the same. We want to be safe, secure, loved, guided and enjoy a life of good fortune. And while some women put more faith in their talisman than others – we all have some jewel that offers us one or more of these qualities.
What is the difference between an amulet and a talisman? An amulet is a small object that can be natural or man made and is believed to be endowed with special powers to protect or bring good fortune. It is a means of defense.
A talisman needs to be man made and is thought to have the ability to enhance your own powers or abilities.
Natural amulets are of many kinds: precious stones, metals, teeth and claws of animals, bones, plants, and so on. Man-made amulets, equally varied, include religious medallions and small figurines.
I chose some worldwide famous amulets to show you.
A typical Neapolitan lucky charm talisman
Hamsa amulet, also known of the hand of Fatima
An old scarab amulet from ancient Egypt
The Fig, symbol of protection against the evil eye
