Tales of Talisman: Symbolic, Sentimental and Spiritual Charms

Designers are still enchanted with charms that speak to love, luck, protection and guidance, often inspired by the past. Whether they are influenced by the history of motifs and messages of ancient times or the nostalgia of vintage objects and imagery—they reinterpret and reinvent them with a nod to what will resonate with their customers. Many of the charms also hold different meaning for the wearers, tapping into what they will find comfort or strength in and/or are most significant to the journey they are on.
Erica Molinari/Erica Molinari
“The heart captures our emotions and act as a reminder that we are loved and cared for,” Erica explains. She has captured this feeling in her romantic 18K yellow gold hand engraved heart charm with a scroll motif and a square cut ruby in the center, which symbolizes passion. She goes one step further to create the sentiment with an engraving on the back. Oscar Wilde’s quote “Who being loved, is poor translated into Italian on the reverse side of the heart.
Monica Rich Kosann/Monica Rich Kosann
The shield is often a symbol of protection and Monica has designed it in 18K yellow gold with turquoise (for luck) and pave diamonds (for endurance) inscribed with the word fearless on the back. It is a charm that combines a few meanings and can make you feel invincible while wearing it.
Fearless Shield with Turquoise and Pave Diamonds
Coomi Bhasin/ Coomi
“I chose to create a lucky charm that was instantly recognizable yet original from others with the same motif that I have seen out in the market. My Horseshoe Trineta Pendant is 20K yellow gold with lapis inlay and diamonds set under crystal to give it a three-dimensional quality.” Says Coomi. Her horseshoe facing downward, spreading luck out into the universe while also designed to bring good fortune to the wearer.
https://coomi.com/products/the-horse-shoe-trinetra-pendant
Jenn Breznen/Mined + Found
This three-dimensional charm captures the essence of nostalgia in the form of an antique box camera. There is also a secret component to it which adds an unexpected element. ” The blue sapphire push button opens to reveal a hidden smile in diamond and pink tourmaline which is also visible from the outside through a crystal quartz lens encircled by pavé diamonds.” Jenn explains. “I added the smile to reflect finding joy within every memory.”
https://www.minedandfound.com/collections/useful-objects/products/memory
Gina Ferranti/GiGi Ferranti
“In Italy the Horn or Cornicello is one of the most popular charms to guide against evil.” Gina explains. She has captured it in a three-dimensional 18K yellow gold pendant that is set with princess cut sapphires to protect the wearer from harm and misfortune. The paperclip chain is sold separately.
https://www.gigiferrantijewelry.com/products/portofino-statement-horn-charm.html
Anna Maccieri Rossi/Anna Maccieri Rossi
Anna has added a new spin to her Carpe Diem collection which utilizes a watch mechanism to rotate a star in the center of her earlier pendants. These were designed with the intention that every moment is precious and should be lived to the fullest. “This charm with a white ceramic and gold titanium case features an aventurine glass and mother of pearl center with a heart instead of a star that moves every second.” Anna explains. She has called this piece the Let It Beat Ceramic Charm, which adds to her message of ‘seize the day’ -always with love.
Beth Hutchens/FoundRae
The Reverie Medium Ceramic Medallion with Annex Link is handcrafted in 18K yellow gold and blue champleve enamel. “It symbolizes the joy of fulfilling who we are meant to be and allows us to soar free like a butterfly.”
https://foundrae.com/products/reverie-medium-champleve-medallion-with-oval-pushgate
Marie Lichtenberg/Marie Lichtenberg
Marie’s new charm rediscovers the youthful nostalgia of exchanging gifts with your BFF. She elevates the pendant first made popular in the 70s in weighty 18k yellow gold and diamond lettering. The charms are sold on 18k gold chains and have a similar sentimental effect of the respect, love and bonds we share with our closest friend today.
https://marielichtenberg.com/en-us/products/best-friend-charms-on-gourmette-chains
Nina Dzhokhadze/Nevernot
There is something magical about vacation time when we can unwind and relax. Nevernot’s three-dimension Beach Escape Suitcase reminds the wearer of traveling to a more serene, tranquil place. “The opal stone and mother of pearl sun, gold airplane and pave diamond cloud transports you to your holidays by the sea, either evoking fond memories or signaling the happiness you will find on future holidays.” says Nina.
https://nevernot.co.uk/collections/nevernot-travel-1/products/beach-escape
Top photo on Model: Mined + Found