Trinkets and Talismans

Be it a love-worn heirloom passed from generation to generation, a hand-tied friendship bracelet exchanged in the school playground or the heartfelt promise of a sparkling engagement ring, the jewellery we wear every day and the pieces we save for best tell a story about who we are, where we come from and where we’re headed.

Most of us own some jewellery we never take off. For me that’s a rose gold wedding band, the engagement ring my husband had made for me by Ben Day in 2007 when I couldn’t face looking in another shop full of diamond solitaires (what can I say, it was the noughties…) and two star sapphire rings given to me by my amazing mother-in-law. Then there’s an armful of beachy cord bracelets gathered over a decade of summers in Skiathos, a silver toe ring that’s been in situ since the ’90s and, more recently (I’m a late adopter on the piercing thing) tiny gold peace sign and evil eye studs in my ears. I never remove any of it, partly because if I did I’d definitely lose something but mostly because these tiny fripperies, regardless of their value, feel like parts of life’s puzzle to me… lucky charms, protective talismans, tiny promises to the past, present and future.

I love observing the way other people wear jewellery, too… the orderly neatness of a stack of milestone rings on a well-manicured finger… the beautiful mess of a layered up mix of trinkets old and new. I love big, bold statement pieces and solitary sensible wedding bands, glittering diamonds and toddler-made pasta necklaces, chunky signet rings, delicate gold chains and, well, pretty much everything in between. If you’ve ever tried breaking the ice at a party by asking someone about their necklace, you’ll know as well as I do that jewellery always tells a story.

Of course, jewellery is incredibly sentimental, too. We all know it’s the easiest way to carry a piece of a person – whether that’s a literal lock of hair in a locket or something more symbolic – with you when they can’t be there themselves. Jewellery for luck, jewellery for love and jewellery for courage to face the world… it’s all there adorning the fingers, wrists and necks of people we know and love.

A piece of meaningful jewellery can also be a great way to stay focused on an intention, call in something you desire or harness a bit of new age magic in our high tech lives. I have an amethyst bracelet – my birth and zodiac stone and a crystal that’s known for its protective, meditative qualities – I like to wear when I feel like I need my intuition to up its game for the day. And there’s a simple silver angel wing pendant a friend gave me that’s become a lucky charm for gatherings where I know I’ll need to protect my energy.

In the same way that I don’t think twice about popping a crystal in my pocket before I head out, I love that I own pieces of jewellery that feel protective or calming or just a really good reminder of what’s important in life. Accessories with a side of spirituality.

I’m not the only one who enjoys ramping up the meaning in my adornments, either. I’ve been ogling Jill Urwin’s stunning crystal pendants and Rock & Raw’s magical guardian necklaces since well before I started this project, so I wasn’t surprised to walk past a display of healing crystal necklaces in Topshop recently. Nor was I shocked to see Victoria Beckham bring out a range of crystal pendants strung with rose quartz and howlite. As more people open their minds to the power of the spiritual/mystical realm it makes sense that wearable healing and high vibe talismans have become bonafide trends.

If you fancy getting in on the action, I’ve gathered together a rundown of my favourite designers and makers below. Some might need to be saved for a windfall moment (Rock & Raw I am looking at you) but others are reassuring affordable…perfect for adding a touch of wearable magic to everyday life.

Images above: Rock & Raw // Wolf Sister

 Rainbow aura pendant by co-founder of SLC London and jewellery designer Jill Urwin. Most of her pieces are bespoke one-offs but prices start at around £125.

I love pretty much everything sister-run Otiumberg comes up with but especially these 9-karat gold zodiac earrings. From £59.

Right up there on my wish list are these beautiful crystal guardian necklaces by Rock & Raw. Prices from £759 (I know! I’m manifesting hard!)

Cult of Youth designer Kelly Seymour always hits the zeitgeist with her otherworldly creations. This moon sequence necklace is no exception. From £40.

For affordable semi-precious pieces like this gold-plated ‘Leo’ constellation necklace Orelia is a total go to (and handily available at Topshop Oxford Circus). See also their evil eye and hamsa chains, crescent moon studs and bright friendship bands. These necklaces are currently reduced to a bargain £9.

Another one on the manifestation hit list. How beautiful are these talisman bangles by Loquet London? Bracelet £550, charms from £110.

Mala beads like these fair trade beauties by Mala Collective (available in the UK from Yoga Rebel) have been used as meditation tools for centuries. From £74.95.

Mandalas are said to symbolise the wholeness of the universe. These silver and 14-karat gold vermeil pendants by Muru would make a perfect talisman for any soul seeker. From £55.