Amulets and talismans: the difference and symbols in jewelry

An amulet is an object believed to protect against an evil: the evil eye, illness, bad luck. A talisman is associated with attracting something positive: luck, success, love. In practice the words are used almost as synonyms.

Jewelry is a natural vehicle for both because it is worn against the body. These are cultural beliefs and traditions, not scientific claims.

Common protective symbols #

• Hand of Fatima (hamsa): see hamsa and evil eye.
• Evil eye (nazar): against the evil eye.
• Horseshoe: good luck, especially in Europe.
• Four-leaf clover: luck.
• Cross: the Christian symbol of faith and protection.
• Tree of life: growth and connection, present in many cultures.
• Lotus, Om and Yin Yang: symbols of Eastern traditions.
• Egyptian scarab: rebirth and protection. See Egyptian jewelry and amulets.
• Sun, moon and stars: cycles, light and orientation.
• Elephant, butterfly, snake, turtle, dragon and phoenix: animals with different meanings depending on the culture.
• Heart and infinity: love and bond.

For each symbol it is worth considering its origin, history, the culture it comes from and how it appears in jewelry. See symbols in traditional jewelry.

Jewelry with personal meaning #

Many people wear jewelry with dates, initials or numbers for their emotional value. See personalized and engraved jewelry.

A note #

The meaning of a symbol can change between communities and periods. Respect the religious or cultural origin of each one.