portafortuna

Jewels and amulets

The jewels in the shape of an amulet or talisman. But you can wear them even if you are not superstitious ♦

Did our primitive ancestors first make jewelry as an ornament, or as talismans and amulets? The answer will never be known. Certainly, however, the superstitious function of jewels is evidenced by archaeological findings. But this capacity is also reaffirmed, a few thousand years later, by those who think they will be lucky if they wear a necklace pendant that has an eye-shaped shape.

Pendente-talismano di de Beers, in oro bianco e diamanti
Talisman-pendant by de Beers, in white gold and diamonds

Because, in fact, magical jewels, which should avoid unfortunate events or, on the contrary, favor a good fortune, are still bought. Talisman jewels often have the shape of symbols, to which is attributed a value and a magical power of help and propitiation or protection. At the same time, the particular shape of a pendant should (for those who are convinced of it) propitiate lucky events, such as winning the lottery or winning love.

Collana talismano
Talisman necklace by Kristen Malan

The difference. By the way, it is better to clarify the difference: usually talismans are equated with amulets. In reality they are objects created with two different functions. The amulets have (for those who believe in it) the ability to remove or cancel a magical evil influence. Talismans, instead, are objects that have the ability to make something positive happen. In short, an amulet should prevent negativity, while a talisman propitiate a positivity.

talismano in cristallo di rocca e smalto Wartski 1
Wartski, carved rock crystal and enamel hand-shaped talisman

Talismans and amulets are objects that even today’s jewelers like, often offering jewels that have the function of an amulet or talisman as well as an ornament to wear. In fact, nothing prevents you from wearing a necklace or ring with superstitious symbols even if you don’t believe in those ancient superstitions. Here are some.

Amuleto indossato
Worn amulet

Eye of Allah. In Turkish it is called Nazar Bonjuk, while in English it is Evil Eye. It is one of the most famous amulets against the evil eye. It is widely used for bracelets, earrings and necklaces. Once upon a time, children were attached to their clothes with a safety pin. It is one of the most used symbols by jewelers.

Occhio anti malocchio, con smalto e diamanti. Prezzo: 6800 dollari
Aaron Basha, hex eye, with enamel and diamonds

Hand of Fatima or Miriam. Also called Hamsa (which means five in the Arabic language) or Khamsa, it is an amulet shaped like a palm of a hand popular throughout the Middle East and North Africa, but now widespread also in the West, often used also to make jewelry or hang at home as good luck. For the Jews it is the hand of Miriam.

Anello con ciondolo mano di Fatima
Swarovski, ring with hand of Fatima pendant

Horn. It is a widespread amulet in Italy, especially in the South, as a lucky charm. Made in coral, often with the addition of diamonds, it was also used as a model by the great Maison of jewelry.

Amuleto a forma di corno in corallo e pietre semi preziose
Horn-shaped amulet in coral and semi-precious stones

Skull. According to the different cultures, the symbol of the skull serves to inspire fear, remove the danger of death or protect it from danger.

Anello della collezione Flora con teschio, oro bianco, diamanti e zaffiri
Gucci, ring from the Flora collection with skull, white gold, diamonds and sapphires

Crucifix. For those who follow the Christian religion it is the most important spiritual symbol. But even if some wear it to witness their belonging to the cult, others consider it an object capable of giving protection to the person. In short, a symbol with magical powers.

Croce scomponibile Belle Epoque
Damiani, Belle Epoque decomposable cross

Zodiac signs. Libra, Leo, Sagittarius … Whoever wears the symbols of his zodiac sign not only wants to communicate his belonging to a certain period of the year, but he also expects a beneficial power.

David Yurman, pinky ring in oro con iniziali o segno zodiacale
David Yurman, gold pinky ring with initials or zodiac sign
Amuleto con giada nera, bronzo e laccio in pelle
Black Jade, Bronze, and Leather Cord Amulet by Lisa Eisner
Ciondolo amuleto con cristallo di rocca intagliato e diamanti
Temple St. Clair amulet pendant with carved rock crystal and diamonds
Bracciale in oro rosa con smeraldi e quarzo al centro
Rose gold bracelet with emeralds and quartz in the centre
Bracciale in cuoio con mano di Fatima in oro e zaffiri
Pippo Perez, leather bracelet with hand of Fatima in gold and pink sapphires
Thomas Sabo, mano di Fatima in oro rosa 18 carati e zircone
Thomas Sabo, hand of Fatima in 18k rose gold and cubic zirconia

Jewelery with hand shape




Pendants and charms with shape of a hand. Do you want to know why you can wear hand-shaped jewelry and what does the symbol mean? ♦ ︎

The shape of the hand often occurs in jewelry, for example with pendants or pendants: this symbol is considered a lucky charm. But it doesn’t just mean that. If you wondered what the hand symbol means, read the explanation. The symbol of the hand, in fact, has a long history behind it. For example, it would have already been used two thousand years ago by the Carthaginians and, in general, in North Africa: it was a symbol of the goddess Tanit, consort of the god Baal. Tanit’s cult was linked to that of the moon and fertility.

Anello con ciondolo mano di Fatima
Swarovski, anello con ciondolo mano di Fatima

Different names. The spread of the hand symbol, which is usually used in jewelry as a pendant or pendant, originated in the Middle East. But it has different names: it is called the hand of Alo by the Muslims, or it is indicated by the name of Hamsa or Khamsa (word that in Arabic means “five” and refers to the Islamic religion: it is the number that indicates the pillars of the ‘Islam). But this icon is also called the Hand of Fatima, the fourth and final daughter of the prophet Muhammad. Legend indicates she as a symbol of freedom: Fatima cut herself hand to conquer freedom towards her husband Ali, who had brought a concubine home. And for this gesture the hand has also become a symbol of the freedom conquered by women. The amulet, however, is considered a lucky charm by members of other religions too.

Orecchino in argento a forma di mano di Fatima
Rosato, orecchino in argento a forma di mano di Fatima

For Orthodox Christians, for example, it is Miriam’s hand. And also for the Jews it is the hand of Miriam, that is, the sister of Moses and Aaron according to the sacred scriptures. The number five also recurs for Jews: hamesh, in the Hebrew language, represents the five books of the Torah. In general, according to tradition, the name was linked to a series of religious interpretations. Over time, it has become a symbol that brings luck when worn. It has nothing to do, however, with Our Lady of Fatima, a town in Portugal where there is a place of worship for Catholics.

Bracciale in cuoio con mano di Fatima in oro e zaffiri
Pippo Perez, bracciale in cuoio con mano di Fatima in oro e zaffiri rosa

The hand today. The hand used in jewelry is generally considered an amulet unlinked from religious beliefs or faiths. It is a simple lucky charm, a decoration. Sometimes the hand symbol is also used to indicate spaces used by women and the desire for independence of the female gender.

mano
Sidney Evan, mano di Fatima orecchini in oro 14 carati con diamanti e rubini. Prezzo: 400 euro

Shape. The hand symbol is always the same: five symmetrical right fingers, almost always simplified with two thumbs. The palm is often full of arabesques or writings. Sometimes the shape of an eye is also found: in this case too it is a tradition. In fact, by some, it is called the eye of Allah, while in Anglo-Saxon countries it is known as the evil eye, which is capable of casting out bad luck. For everyone, however, it has the same function: to keep troubles away, or simply a pendant to wear. Cosimo Muzzano
Sicis, ciondolo in oro e micromosaico
Sicis, ciondolo in oro e micromosaico

Ileana Makri, collana con ciondolo in oro giallo e diamanti
Ileana Makri, collana con ciondolo in oro giallo e diamanti
Roberto Demeglio, anello Joy in oro e diamanti
Roberto Demeglio, anello Joy in oro e diamanti
Thomas Sabo, mano di Fatima in oro rosa 18 carati e zircone
Thomas Sabo, mano di Fatima in oro rosa 18 carati e zircone

Annoushka, mano in oro giallo 18ct, rodiato nero, con micro diamanti di pavé e dorato
Annoushka, mano in oro giallo 18ct, rodiato nero, con micro diamanti di pavé e dorato







From Capri the lucky charm horn

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Let’s face it: in times of coronavirus, who hasn’t thought, at least once, that it takes a little luck not to get into trouble? It is certainly a thought that touched Antonella Puttini, designer of the Angela Puttini jewels, the mother and founder of the boutique of the same name in the heart of Capri isle. And since Capri is near Naples and the city under Vesuvius is also the capital of superstition, the designer has created a new collection of Capri Forever jewels, inspired by the beautiful island. But above all, horn-shaped jewels, which is the most famous amulet in Naples and the surrounding area.

Pendenti portafortuna a forma di corno di Angela Puttini
Pendenti portafortuna a forma di corno di Angela Puttini

The Capri Forever collection includes, in fact, a horn-shaped pendant with the inscription Capri Forever, in three different sizes, earrings and a key ring, always with a joint logo. Antonella Puttini has been designing jewelry for thirty years. In fact, the boutique in the heart of Capri was opened in 1988 by the designer’s mother, Angela.

The main peculiarity of my creations is uniqueness. My goal is always to make rare objects. The famous lucky horn has been reproduced in a new look. My creations are born from the desire to transmit true emotions such as joy and serenity, to remember happy and magical moments.
Antonella Puttini

Collana Capri Forever
Collana Capri Forever
Orecchini Capri Forever
Orecchini Capri Forever

Portachiavi Capri Forever
Portachiavi Capri Forever







A bracelet by Messika the secret of Deschamps





The French national football coach Deschamps wears a Messika lucky charm bracelet. And wins ♦ ︎

Even the jewels took to the field in Moscow for the World Cup final. The challenge between France and Croatia ended with the victory of the national team led by Didier Deschamps. The coach of France, for the occasion, showed off a bracelet of Messika. A French jewel, ça va sans dire. This is the Messika Move Titanium bracelet, lucky charm, Full Black version. This bracelet that combines the power of titanium with three moving diamonds (symbols of yesterday, today and tomorrow) and, according to Messika, «recalls the eternal strength of the French team». In brackets: Deschamps is also famous for being very lucky. If this was the effect of Messika’s bracelet? Giulia Netrese





Didier Deschamps con il bracciale in titanio di Messika
Didier Deschamps con il bracciale in titanio di Messika

Didier Deschamps
Didier Deschamps
L'allenatore della nazionale francese con il bracciale di Messika
L’allenatore della nazionale francese con il bracciale di Messika

Didier Deschamps, finale di partita
Didier Deschamps, finale di partita