Charm Bracelet Vintage Amulet Talisman Supernatural Art

1. Totem Pole stamped brass charm (one sided – indented design on reverse) (Totem poles are monumental sculptures carved from large trees, usually cedar, but mostly Western Red Cedar, by cultures of the Indigenous peoples of the Pacific Northwest Coast of North America. The word "totem" is derived from the Ojibwe word odoodem, "his kinship group".  The meanings of the designs on totem poles are as varied as the cultures which make them. Totem poles may recount familiar legends, clan lineages, or notable events. Some poles are erected to celebrate cultural beliefs, but others are intended mostly as artistic presentations. Certain types of totem poles are part of mortuary structures incorporating grave boxes with carved supporting poles, or recessed backs in which grave boxes were placed. Poles are also carved to illustrate stories, to commemorate historic persons or to represent shamanic powers.)
2. Tiny gold tone Hamsa charm (one sided – blank on the reverse) (Hamsa is a symbol used in amulets, charms and jewelry to protect against the "evil eye." An alternative Islamic name for this charm is the Hand of Fatima or Eye of Fatima, in reference to Fatima Zahra, the daughter of Muhammad. An alternative Jewish name is the Hand of Miriam, in reference to Miriam, the sister of Moses and Aaron. It is a kind of "protecting hand" or "hand of God". Some associate the significance of the five fingers to the five books of the Torah for Jews, the Five Pillars of Islam for Sunnis, or the five People of the Cloak for Shi'ites. This symbolism may have evolved at a later stage, in view of the fact that archaeological evidence suggests the hamsa predates both religions. It is thought by some to have originated with the Phoenicians to honor Tanit who was a patron of Carthage. In recent years some activists for Middle East peace have chosen to wear the hamsa as a symbol of the similarities of origins and tradition between the Islamic and Jewish faiths. The fingers can point up or down.)
3. Vintage Buddhist Monk amulet from Thailand (two sided – text and design on the reverse) (These are popular amulets often with raised images of important local Monks.  They are considered to offer protection and good luck.)
4. Vintage blank glass indented image of Jesus Christ and the Sacred Heart on brass setting (one sided – blank on reverse) (The Sacred Heart is a religious devotion to Jesus's physical heart as the representation of the divine love for humanity. This devotion is predominantly used in the Roman Catholic Church, and also in strains of the Anglican Church and some Lutheran Churches. It stresses the central Christian concept of loving and adoring Jesus. The origin of this devotion in its modern form is derived from a French Roman Catholic nun, Marguerite Marie Alacoque, who said she learned the devotion from Jesus in visions. Predecessors to the modern devotion existed to some extent in the Middle Ages in various mystical sects.)
5. Vintage rectangular brass medal with raised relief of praying hands (one sided – blank on the reverse) (Although this image of praying hands will automatically be assumed to be a form of the Christian ritual, many religions and cultures use hands held together during the act of prayer or blessing including Shinto to Buddhism.)
6. Stamped brass charm of set square, compass and clamp (one sided – indented design on reverse) (This is not a traditional Freemason symbol but it does contain many of the elements.)
7. Vintage brass Christian cross with etched wave design (one sided – blank on the reverse) (Christian)
8. Vintage heavy copper medal with an image of an Egyptian Pharaoh, a scimitar sword, crescent moon and five pointed star (one sided – blank on the reverse) (Modern fraternal groups started using these images to add some historical mythology to their groups.  The crescent moon and five pointed star is associated with Islam and is used by some nations on their national flag.  The following swords are usually called scimitars; Saif (Arab), Shamshir (Persian), Kilij (Turkish), Yataghan (Turkish), Talwar (Indian), Nimcha (Moroccan) and Pulwar (Afghan)
9. Vintage black glass Scarab beetle mounted on brass setting (one sided – blank on the reverse) (It seemed to the ancient Egyptians that the young scarab beetles emerged spontaneously from the burrow were they were born. Therefore they were worshipped as "Khepera", which means "he who came forth." This creative aspect of the scarab was associated with the creator god Atum. The ray-like antenna on the beetle's head and its practice of dung-rolling caused the beetle to also carry solar symbolism. The scarab-beetle god Khepera was believed to push the setting sun along the sky in the same manner as the beetle with his ball of dung. In many artifacts, the scarab is depicted pushing the sun along its course in the sky. During and following the New Kingdom, scarab amulets 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 judgement. 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.")
10. Gold tone Buddha charm (three dimensional) (Siddhartha Gautama was a spiritual teacher in the north eastern region of the Indian subcontinent who founded Buddhism. In most Buddhist traditions, he is regarded as the Supreme Buddha of our age, "Buddha" meaning "awakened one." The time of his birth and death are uncertain however at a specialist symposium on this question, the majority of those scholars who presented definite opinions gave dates within 20 years either side of 400 BCE for the Buddha's death, with others supporting earlier or later dates.)
11. Gold tone palm reading hand model with Life, Heart and Head lines numbered (three dimensional) (Chiromancy or cheiromancy is the art of characterization and foretelling the future through the study of the palm, also known as palmistry, palm-reading, chirology or hand analysis. The practice is found all over the world, with numerous cultural variations. Those who practice chiromancy are generally called palmists, palm readers, hand readers, hand analysts, or chirologists.)
12. Large vintage brass Star of David (one sided – aged on the reverse) (The Star of David or Shield of David is a generally recognized symbol of Jewish identity and Judaism. It is named after King David of ancient Israel. Its earliest known communal usage began in the Middle Ages alongside the more ancient symbol of the menorah)
13. Brass tone milagro rose  (one sided – blank on the reverse) (Milagros, also known as an ex-voto or dijes, are religious (Christian) folk charms that are traditionally used for healing purposes and as votive offerings. They are frequently attached onto altars, shrines, and sacred objects found in places of worship. Milagro symbolism is not universal; a milagro of a body part, such as a leg, might be used as part of a prayer or vow for the improvement of a leg; or it might refer to a
    concept such as travel. Milagros are also carried for protection and good luck. The rose has always been valued for its beauty and has a long history of symbolism. The ancient Greeks and Romans identified the rose with their goddesses of love referred to as Aphrodite and Venus. In Rome a wild rose would be placed on the door of a room where secret or confidential matters were discussed. The phrase sub rosa, or "under the rose", means to keep a secret — derived from this ancient Roman practice. Early Christians identified the five petals of the rose with the five wounds of Christ. Despite this interpretation, their leaders were hesitant to adopt it because of its association with Roman excesses and pagan ritual. The red rose was eventually adopted as a symbol of the blood of the Christian martyrs. Roses also later came to be associated with the Virgin Mary.)
14. Genuine vintage brass Chi Rho medal (one sided – blank on reverse) (The Chi Rho is one of the earliest christograms used by Christians. It is formed by superimposing the first two letters in the Greek spelling of the word Christ chi = ch and rho = r, in such a way to produce the monogram. Although not technically a cross, the Chi Rho invokes the crucifixion of Jesus as well as symbolizing his status as the Christ. There is early evidence of the Chi Rho symbol on Christian Rings of the third century)
15. Gold tone Anka (one sided – blank on the reverse) (The Ankh (key of life, the key of the Nile, crux ansata) was the Egyptian hieroglyphic character that read "eternal life". Egyptian gods are often portrayed carrying it by its loop, or bearing one in each hand, arms crossed over their chest)
16. Gold tone wire wrapped Voodoo doll (three dimensional) (There are several different types of Voodoo beliefs: Haitian Vodou, Louisiana Voodoo of New Orleans, Santería and Arará of Cuba, and Candomblé and Umbanda of Brazil.  Vodou has come to be associated in the popular mind with the lore about Satanism, zombies and "voodoo dolls." Voodoo dolls are not a part of the Vodou religion as such and would fall into Hoodoo folk magic.  Many other belief systems use representational symbols, such as a doll, in their rituals including some forms of Wicca.)
17. Solid brass sign for writing and/or knowledge (three dimensional) (Jewish, Cabala alternately Kabbalah or Qabalah may refer to one of several systems of Mysticism:Kabbalah, the religious mystical system of Judaism. Practical Kabbalah, an agglomeration of all the magical practices that developed in Judaism from the Talmudic period down through the Middle Ages. Christian Kabbalah, the Christian application of Jewish Kabbalistic methods. Hermetic Qabalah, a Western esoteric and mystical tradition drawing on Jewish Kabbalah and other sources.)
18. Tiny brass "Aladdin" oil lamp charm (one sided – blank on reverse) (The lamp and it's light has many symbolic meanings in many cultures with illumination representing knowledge, truth and/or lighting the path to god.)
19. Large ornate solid brass Om pendant (two sided – small engraved symbols on the reverse) (Aum (also Om) is a mystical or sacred syllable in the Indian religions, including Hinduism, Sikhism, Jainism and Buddhism. It is placed at the beginning of most Hindu texts as a sacred exclamation to be uttered at the beginning and end of a reading of the Vedas or previously to any prayer or mantra. The Mandukya Upanishad is entirely devoted to the explanation of the syllable. The syllable is taken to consist of three phonemes, a, u and m, variously symbolizing the Three Vedas or the Hindu Trimurti or three stages in life (birth, life and death)
20. Tiny Czech black glass triangular bead with gold tone “All Seeing Eye” motif on both sides and brass bead cap (Imagery of an all-seeing eye can be traced back to Egyptian mythology and the Eye of Horus. It also appears in Buddhism, where Buddha is also regularly referred to as the "Eye of the World" throughout Buddhist scriptures and is represented as a trinity in the shape of a triangle known as the Triple Gem. In Medieval and Renaissance European iconography, the Eye (often with the addition of an enclosing triangle) was an explicit image of the Christian Trinity. It can also be found on US currency and is now strongly associated with the Freemasons and similar fraternal groups.)
21. Small pressed brass Athame dagger/sword (one sided – indented design on reverse) (An athame or athamé is a ceremonial double-edged dagger, one of several magical tools used in neopagan religions and other Witchcraft traditions. A black-handled knife called an arthame appears in certain versions of the Key of Solomon, a grimoire originating in the Middle Ages.  It is never used for physical cutting and is often associated with masculine power.)
22. Vintage brass Cross with etched center rose and vine motif (one sided – blank on the reverse) (The rose cross (also called rosy cross and rose croix) is a symbol largely associated with the semi-mythical Christian Rosencreutz, alchemist and founder of the Rosicrucian Order. Rosicrucianism is the theology of a secret society of mystics, allegedly formed in late medieval Germany, holding a doctrine "built on esoteric truths of the ancient past", which, "concealed from the average man, provide insight into nature, the physical universe and the spiritual realm.")
23. Round gold tone charm with Aztec motif (one sided – hollow on the reverse) (The Aztecs were an American Indian people who moved south into the valley of Mexico in the AD 1100s, building their capital Tenochtitlán (now Mexico City) from 1325. In the 15th century they created a short-lived empire that was destroyed soon after the Spanish invasion of 1519.  They produced jewellery in gold, jade, and turquoise, as well ceramics and textiles displaying the Aztecs' characteristic angular, linear, and geometric patterns.)
24. Hebrew “Chai” brass symbol (three dimensional) (Chai is a symbol and word that figures prominently in Jewish culture and consists of the letters of the Hebrew alphabet Het and Yod. In the Hebrew language, the word chai spelled by two letters means "living," is related to the term for "life," chaim, and also appears in the slogan "`am yisrael chai!" - The nation of Israel lives - referring to all Jews.)
25. Vintage stamped brass Fleur De Lis charm (one sided – indented design on the reverse) (While the fleur-de-lis has appeared on countless European coats of arms and flags over the centuries, it is particularly associated with the French monarchy and continues to appear in the arms of the King of Spain and the Grand Duke of Luxembourg, members of the House of Bourbon. Other scripture and religious literature in which the lily symbolizes purity and chastity also helped establish the flower as an iconographic attribute of the Virgin Mary.  The three petals of the heraldic design reflect a widespread association with the Holy Trinity, a tradition going back to 14th century France, added onto the earlier belief that they also represented faith, wisdom and chivalry.)
26. Vintage hollow brass three dimensional hand symbol charm (The sign of the horns (and other satanic or demonic interpretations), mano cornuta, sign language for "love" and many, many more.  In some cultures when confronted with unfortunate events, or just when these are mentioned or suggested, a person wanting to avoid that fate could resort to the sign of the horns to ward off bad luck. It is the equivalent of knocking on wood.)
27. Tiny brass stamped angel charm (one sided – indented design on reverse) (Most people associate angels with Christian belief but angels also found in Judaic beliefs, Latter-day Saint beliefs, Islam, Zoroastrianism, Bahá'í Faith, and some Mysticism)
28. Heavy vintage brass double spiral charm (two sided design) (In Wicca the Double Spiral represents the dual purpose of life - the journey inward to your Essence, and then outward to the world. It is weaving the Path Home, forever inward and forever outward, on each path coming closer to your Divine Essence. The Double Spiral is the Dance of Life, inhabiting both planes of existence simultaneously. This is an expression of the Goddess manifesting as physical life, and physical life realising its Divinity.)
29. Antique bronze tone Sigil charm (one sided – blank on the reverse) (A sigil is a symbol created for a specific magical purpose. A sigil is usually made up of a complex combination of several specific symbols or geometric figures, each with a specific meaning or intent. The term sigil derives from the Latin sigillum, meaning "seal", though it may also be related to the Hebrew (segulah meaning "word, action or item of spiritual effect"). A sigil may have an abstract, pictorial or semi-abstract form. Sigil magic is a common form of magical work among practitioners; symbols and signs have always been a tool of magicians and alchemists.)
30. Vintage brass raised relief of Jesus Christ and the Sacred Heart on one side and with Madonna with baby on the reverse (two sided) (The Sacred Heart is a religious devotion to Jesus's physical heart as the representation of the divine love for humanity. This devotion is predominantly used in the Roman Catholic Church, and also in strains of the Anglican Church and some Lutheran Churches. It stresses the central Christian concept of loving and adoring Jesus. The origin of this devotion in its modern form is derived from a French Roman Catholic nun, Marguerite Marie Alacoque, who said she learned the devotion from Jesus in visions. Predecessors to the modern devotion existed to some extent in the Middle Ages in various mystical sects.)
31. Gold tone Pentacle (two sided design) (The word "pentacle" is sometimes used synonymously with "pentagram" but Wiccans and Neo-pagans often make use of this more specific definition for a pentagram enclosed in a circle.  A pentagram (sometimes known as a pentalpha or pentangle or, more formally, as a star pentagon) is the shape of a five-pointed star drawn with five straight strokes. Pentagrams were used symbolically in ancient Greece and Babylonia, and are used today as a symbol of faith by many Wiccans. The pentagram has magical associations and many people who practice Neopagan faiths wear jewelry incorporating the symbol. Christians once more commonly used the pentagram to represent the five wounds of Jesus and it also has associations within Freemasonry.)
32. Vintage black glass rectangular cabachon with Freemason symbol in gold tone mounted on brass tag (one sided – blank on the reverse) (The Square and Compasses (or, more correctly, a square and a set of compasses joined together) is the single most identifiable symbol of Freemasonry. Both the square and compasses are architect's tools, and are used in Masonic ritual as emblems to teach symbolic lessons. Some Lodges and rituals explain these symbols as lessons in conduct: for example, that Masons should "square their actions by the square of virtue" and learn to "circumscribe their desires and keep their passions within due bounds toward all mankind". The letter “G” at the center (not used world wide) is said to stand for god, yet some say geometry.)
33. Antiqued gold plate Lotus flower stamped charm (one sided – indented design on reverse) (From ancient times the lotus has been a divine symbol in Asian traditions as a symbol of purity.Hindus revere it with the gods Vishnu, Brahma, and the goddesses Lakshmi and Sarasvati. Often used as an example of divine beauty, Vishnu is often described as the 'Lotus-Eyed One'. Its unfolding petals suggest the expansion of the soul. The growth of its pure beauty from the mud of its origin holds a benign spiritual promise. Particularly Brahma and Lakshmi, the divinities of potency and wealth, have the lotus symbol associated with them. In Hindu iconography, deities often are depicted with lotus flowers as their seats. The lotus plant is cited extensively within Puranic and Vedic literature This has also taken root in Chinese Confucian cultures. Borrowing from Hinduism, in Buddhist symbolism the lotus again represents purity of the body, speech, and mind as if floating above the muddy waters of attachment and desire. It is also to be noted that most Buddhist, Chinese, Hindu, Japanese, amongst other Asian deities are often are depicted as seated on a lotus flower. According to legend, Gautama Buddha was born with the ability to walk and everywhere he stepped, lotus flowers bloomed. The Bahá'í has also adopted this symbolism.  It also appeared in Ancient Egyptian religions.)
34. Stylized brass dove charm (antiqued – curved design) (As part of the Holy Trinity, The Holy Spirit is often depicted as a dove, based on the account of the Holy Spirit descending on Jesus like a dove when he was baptized in the Jordan. In many paintings of the Annunciation, the Holy Spirit is shown in the form of a dove, coming down towards Mary on beams of light, as the Archangel Gabriel announces Christ's coming to Mary.  They are a traditional Christian and Jewish symbol of love and peace.  As secular symbols Doves are often associated with the concept of peace and pacifism.)
35. Primitive Sun god gold tone charm (one sided – blank texture on the reverse) (A Solar Deity (also Sun God/Goddess) is a deity who represents the sun, or an aspect of it, usually by its perceived power and strength. Solar deities and sun worship can be found through-out most of recorded history in various forms including the ancient Egyptians, Aztecs, Hindus, the African Munsh and Barotse tribes and Theosophy.)
36. Gold tone Eternal Knot charm (two sided design) (The endless knot or eternal knot is a symbolic knot and one of the Eight Auspicious Symbols. Since the knot has no beginning or end it also symbolizes the infinite wisdom of the Buddha. It is an important cultural marker in places significantly influenced by Tibetan Buddhism such as Tibet, Mongolia, Tuva, Kalmykia, and Buryatia. It is also sometimes found in Chinese art and used in Chinese knots and Feng Shui.)
37. Large vintage copper St Christopher medal with the text “St Christopher – Be My Guide (one sided – blank on the reverse) (Saint Christopher is a saint venerated by Roman Catholics and Orthodox Christians, listed as a martyr killed in the reign of the Roman emperor Decius. Christopher has always been a widely popular saint, being especially revered by athletes, mariners, ferrymen, and travelers. He is revered as one of the Fourteen Holy Helpers. He holds patronage of things related to travel and travelers, against lightning, against pestilence, archers, bachelors, bookbinders, epilepsy, floods, gardeners, motorists and drivers, sailors, surfers and toothache.)
38. Unusual brass symbol (extender links weight/charm) (I must admit I do not know what this symbol represents.  I bought it with a group of Jewish/Kabbalah symbols.)

I'm sure there is someone out there who will fall in love with it.  I used a vintage double linked heavy brass cable chain. This piece shouldn't be cleaned excessively. 

Important: I have used a strong, large lobster claw clasp.  It is designed to hang low on the wrist and cascade over the back of your hand.  It is 8 1/2 inches from the top of the clasp to the end of the middle extender ring.  It will fit slightly smaller and larger wrists using the other two extender links.  If you require links to be added or subtracted just let me know in the message area when you pay. 

I always include extra chain and extender links and extra charms so you can be confident buying it for a gift without knowing an accurate wrist measurement.

I used to measure and write dimensions for all the charms/beads but it was taking forever to list anything.  If you require measurement details or more photos, please contact me. 

A short note about working with genuine vintage / worn parts

I use some very old parts/coins/charms. I like to think I'm doing my bit for the world by reusing and recycling.  I wash and clean all parts.  Sometimes I will artifically "antique" parts to bring out etched or textured details and seal the effect. If I've antiqued a part I will say that in the description.  I will always tell you the honest condition, wear, oxidization or any damage on parts I use.  I varnish some parts to halt or slow the aging process. My photos are crucial to you being satisfied when the piece arrives - I capture all imperfections so you can decide for yourself.