Inspired by Amulets - Necklace Jewellery Design with Historical Significance.
This month we have been focusing on amulets. An idea very close to my heart which I have incorporated into a lot of my designs. I love the sentimental items we carry around to add a little joy and sparkle to our every day, from a pebble given to you by your little one, to a necklace from someone you love. We round up the history behind the inspiration for much of my collection in this journal.
Amulets, also known as Talismans, are objects, either natural or manufactured, believed to be endowed with special powers to protect or bring good fortune.
Amulets are generally carried on ones person or kept in a place that is the desired sphere of influence.
I have always loved the idea of something being so special that it allows you a connection to the person who gave it to you. A power within an object that means they are with you even when they cannot be. Lockets with faces inside that bring a smile or a tear to the eye, anything that can exude such strong emotion feels just a little bit magic.
I wanted to harness this idea when designing my necklaces, objects linked to good luck and signs of love. Delving into those significant moments in our history when people found themselves in the unfortunate position of being parted for long periods with no way to contact one another. The moments they looked to necklaces or coins to leave a piece of them at home.
I remember learning about amulets for the first time at school, when studying the ancient Egyptians. At this time amulets were used by all, not just the wealthy, and it wasn't all about opulence like much of the Egyptian era. In fact, they can be dated all the way back to Neanderthals when they were used in burials.
In times of great fear and uncertainty, we will often cling to anything that brings just a little love and brightness back. This is the power of amulets, lightness in the dark and love conquering hate. It is not magic, but the human touch, and that alone is an extraordinary power.
My collection of necklaces inspired by amulets can be viewed HERE.
Ax