Making Talismanic Jewelry

Much of the jewelry I make is designed around an intention, an energy I wish to call forth, or a mythological concept. Sometimes I will pick up a particular gemstone and immediately be inspired, and it may "tell" me what stones it wishes to be paired with to achieve a particular energetic nuance or synergy. Other times a pendant will tell the story, and I find the right stones to build its spell. I've stored half-designed pieces for months before, waiting for all the right p to come together. And sometimes I have all the pieces, but the timing isn't right, so I wait until the appropriate mood or astrological timing.

Gemstones have been attributed with magic powers since antiquity, such as amethyst bringing peace and rose quartz drawing love. There are a number of resources on the subject. I have worked with stones long enough to have an intuitive understanding of gemstones' energies, but I still like to hear other opinions, especially since I often have a hard time putting it into words. Individual stones' properties will vary within a variety, due to mineral inclusions from different mines, or color. And quality has an effect on how much energy the stone produces.


When stones are combined, they have a power greater than the sum of their parts. This is called gestalt. Generally, similar energies between different types of stones are amplified and dissimilar energies fade to the background. The whole talisman takes on a single, intense, complex energy matrix rather than working as a bunch of little energy chunks. Incantations and other ritual acts performed while making the talisman are woven energetically into the energy matrix. They can also build up "psychic dust," so cleanse occasionally with a smudge wand or your favorite method.

I cannot guarantee that you will see obvious results. But don't be surprised if results are more intense than expected. Effectiveness increases with frequency of wear. Breaking of any magickal item releases the energy in a potent burst. I have seen remarkably synchronous moments when a talisman chose to unexpectedly release that could not have been planned better. (I stand behind my work if this ever happens. Please collect the parts as best as possible.)

 Even the pattern techniques are designed to enhance the magic. I usually create palindromes within palindromes. It's sacred geometry in 1-dimension.

 Even if you don't go for all the metaphysical stuff, my talismans are all one-of-a-kind (ooak) and use stones that are likely to appreciate in value. They have stories that cannot be told in the space of a price tag, so I created this blog to collect some of those tales.