Charms and Amulets
I Have been doing a lot of charm necklaces and find it really fun.
I love seeking unique charms for fun and also for more symbolic and spiritual reasons. I have vintage charms and new, some are strictly relevant to modern culture while others hold a more ancient value. I will continually be adding new pieces, some will be one of a kind and others will be available on going.
I have always been interested and fascinated with symbolism I love the idea of something that holds a special meaning weather it is a personal meaning, cultural or holds some sort of spiritual relevance. Symbolism has been part of human culture since the beginning so whatever your reason may be for wearing a charm or amulet they have been an important part of the human existence. The idea of inspired expression or reverence makes me happy, making the little things in life special, that to me is one of the things that makes life beautiful!
Charms also called amulets or talismans are one of the oldest forms of adornment known, dating back to the Neolithic period. Then simple unique stones, shells, bones or wood could be strung on some twine and worn to ward off evil or protect from enemies.
The word talisman derives from the late Greek telesma which meant "religious rite" and hence "consecrated object". In ancient times the separation between your religious/spiritual beliefs, magic and every other part of your life was less clear so most amulets and charms held some kind of magical significance and believed to aid in many things such as finding love, aid in childbirth, enhance courage in battle, show your dedication to your spiritual beliefs or reverence to a god or goddess. Even today many of these are used in the same way. not simply just worn for fashion.
They continued to carry significant meanings throughout the ages and most cultures have var
iations of amulets,
Scarab amulets are one of my favorite and I have many necklaces available.
Jewish scholars would write passages from Jewish law on tiny slips of parchment and carefully insert the slips into a small, golden amulet that was worn around his neck. This of act reverence and piety was meant to keep the law close to the heart.
In more modern times when they became more of a fashion statement. but still represented status, charms that were made by skilled and renowned jewelers were highly sought after. They make popular gifts. They represent anything from a token of love, something to show your personality or accomplishment or just for fun.
During the reign of the Pharaohs in ancient Egypt, is the first known charm wrist and neck bracelets. They were master goldsmiths and the first to have the ability to cast gold. They dangled amulets that would help Id status and protect and guide them on their journey in the after life. One example is scarab amulets. They were often placed over the heart of the mummified deceased. These "heart scarabs" were meant to be weighed against the feather of truth during the final judgment. The amulets were often inscribed with a spell from the Book of the Dead, which entreated the heart to, "do not stand as a witness against me."
This fun 3D alligator with a small hematite embellishment is inspired by my dad. Frank 'Gator' Lux
My dad 'Gator' Lux
In Victorian times, it was common at the bridesmaid’s luncheon before a wedding to serve a cake that had tucked under its bottom layer a number of charms attached to ribbons. Each bridesmaid would choose a ribbon to pull and the charm she chose would reveal something about her life to come. You could get a rattle charm meaning a baby in the future, or a compass symbolizing a clear a bright future, or maybe a sand dollar that means future riches.
I carry many different Yummy charms that are cakes, cookies, creme puffs, fruit etc. They are adorable and fun, great for party gifts, birthday gifts, tokens of love. They come as small as 12 inches for children on up.
This rabbit charm is considered a Good Luck charm. It is 3 dimensional and is part of my children's collection but can be on a chain at any length.
Rabbits are a symbol of quick thinking and intuition, helps overcome fears and is VERY lucky in love!
This is a picture of a charm necklace from the 1980's, I had all of these charms!!!!!! This brings back so many memories!
If you know me as a designer you know that I also have to add my personal edgy touch to any style that I try, even charm necklaces can have a little edge!
This piece is made from a cowrie shell that friend brought back from a beach in Japan. I put sterling silver around the shell and added a sterling ring for some extra embellishment. I LLLLOOOOOOVVVVEEEE cowrie shells. They are a symbol of fertility, love and have been used on almost all continents for many different reasons including currency.
The other pieces are hand carved out of bone from Africa.
So I could go on and on, I probably have over 300 different charm designs if you want to see some more:
I will be adding more continuously!
Thanks!!!!!!! LUV LUX
AND, still on the theme of knitting, this fantastic book from Charlotte Williams - (a fellow textile designer and an extraordinary talent. Check out her show at New Designers in at the Design Centre in July.) The book, The Knitter'g Guide to Yarn Cocktails by Anastasia Blaes and Kelly Wilson, is right up my street - knitted knickers and Singapore Slings - (my favourite ever cocktail which added to my enjoyment of Singapore although sadly Raffles cocktail bar was closed for a refurb - I'll just have to go again!) - who could ask for anything more? 
Amazing guerrilla gardening research images out there on the web, I particularly love this one: poster pocket planting. To find out more, check out: 
