Try Your Luck
Warding off misfortune just became a whole lot more luxurious with these extravagant talismans,charlene Co writes
Clockwise from top left: Monete necklace by Bulgari; Talisman necklace by De Beers; Golden Treasure amulet by Wellendorff; Magnetique brooch by Chanel; Amulette de Cartier ring; Rose des Vents bracelet by Dior; a model wears an Amulette de Cartier necklace or centuries, jewellery has been used not only for adornment but also as talismans or amulets. Believed to radiate some kind of mystical power, amulets were worn by ancient Romans and Egyptians to protect themselves against evil and danger, and to invite good fortune. While most of us don’t take such other-worldly connections so seriously these days, the appeal for lucky charms remains and jewellery brands provide a steady stream of pieces to choose from.
Chanel, for instance, launched Les Talismans, a high jewellery line that’s all about lucky charms and amulets, last year. Chanel’s jewellers use mostly diamonds and crystals to create the pieces, which are supposed to emit mystical powers through “strange alchemy.” Bulgari, meanwhile, pays homage to its roots with the Monete Collection. The maison has given ancient Roman coins a second lease of life, using them as centrepieces in its amulet-inspired jewellery. Cartier’s Amulette de Cartier collection uses a combination of opals, lapis lazuli, malachite, carnelian, chrysoprase, onyx and diamonds—stones believed to carry their own mystical powers and luck.
Victoire de Castellane, the designer behind Dior Joaillerie’s Rose des Vents collection, was inspired by the lucky star charm Christian Dior carried, reinterpreting it in the form of a wind rose, an eight-pointed star. The bracelets, necklaces, sautoirs and rings of the collection promise to bring luck to their wearers as Dior’s charm did for him. Among the highlights of Wellendorff ’s A Day by the Sea collection is the Golden Treasure amulet, which features a topaz embedded with a flawless quarter-carat diamond in its centre. True to its name, the Golden Treasure can be opened to reveal a personal dedication or a date that holds special meaning to its owner.