Amulets by Merlin's Blog

Reflections of the Art of Merlin

  • About Amulets by Merlin
  • Follow Amulets by Merlin on Facebook!
  • The Tarot of Merlin

Merlin’s Large Solar Cross Amulet

Posted by Amulets by Merlin on June 16, 2015
Posted in: Amulets, Crosses. Tagged: ancient origins, Celtic cross jewelry, Celtic Jewelry, Celtic silver cross, Celtic talisman, chariot wheel, cross jewelry, Europe, Native American Lore, Odin's Cross, Odin's Cross amulet, Odin's Cross jewelry, Odin's Cross talisman, prehistoric religions, rune stone, Silver Odin's Cross, Snoldelev Stone, Solar Celtic cross, Solar Cross, Solar Cross Amulet, Solar cross jewelry, solstices and equinoxes, wheel of the year. Leave a comment

An equal Armed cross in a circle sometimes referred to a Odin’s Cross.

The Solar Cross Amulet

The Large Solar Cross Amulet

This shape has been cited
in the prehistoric religions
the bronze age of Europe’s Spoked Chariot Wheel
(originally, the wheel had four spokes)
seems to have reached Europe
in the mid second millennium BC
of the Sun Chariot.

The symbol also appears on the Snoldelev Stone in Denmark:
a ninth century Rune Stone.

In Native American lore,
the Solar Cross represents
the universe separated
into active and passive principles.
Similar to the descendants
of the old religions
of Europe’s Solar Traditions:
the wheel of the year
illustrates the movement of the seasons:
the solstices and equinoxes.
The time of year has great meaning
to the Old Ways:
when to plant,
when to harvest,
when to prepare for winter
and much more.

The Solar Cross Amulet is made of metal,
but the texture is that of stone,
referring to it’s ancient origins.
The cross is bold
and stands away from the disk:
slightly domed;
giving this piece
a very three dimensional feel

Too big?
I also make a smaller version: the Small Solar Cross Amulet.
For more crosses, see Merlin’s Cross Page

Share this:

  • Share
  • Share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook
  • Email a link to a friend (Opens in new window) Email
Like Loading...

Merlin’s Classic Ankh

Posted by Amulets by Merlin on June 15, 2015
Posted in: Amulets, Ankh, egyptian jewelry. Tagged: Ankh, Ankh amulet, Ankh jewelry, Ankh Page, crux ansata, Egyptian art, Sterling Silver Ankh, Sterling Silver ankh Amulet, Sterling Silver crux ansata, Sterling Silver handled cross, Thomas Inman. Leave a comment

The Classic Ankh

In the words of Thomas Inman, published in 1869:

“It is by Egyptologists called the symbol of life.
It is also called the “handled cross”,
or crux ansata.
It represents the male triad and the female unit,
under a decent form.
There are few symbols more commonly met
with in Egyptian art.
In some remarkable sculptures,
where the sun’s rays are represented as terminate as hands,
the offerings which these bring are many a crux ansata,
emblematic of the truth that a fruitful union
is a gift from the deity.”

The Classic Ankh

The Classic Ankh Amulet

I have re-created the classic shape of the Ankh for my line of jewelry.
A classic rendering of an ancient Egyptian symbol
of the tenacity of life.
Very strong and solid.
Texture is smooth yet holds the feeling of a relic.
To get yours, please visit my Classic Ankh Page.

For more Egyptian Jewelry by Merlin, Please visit my Ankh Page

Share this:

  • Share
  • Share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook
  • Email a link to a friend (Opens in new window) Email
Like Loading...

Merlin’s Scrying Amulet

Posted by Amulets by Merlin on June 14, 2015
Posted in: Amulets, talismans. Tagged: crystal ball, crystal ball amulet, crystal ball jewelry, Crystal ball pendant, hand holding a crystal ball amulet, opalescent glass, silver hand jewelry, sterling silver hand. Leave a comment

To “Scry” is to gaze into a pool of water,
a crystal ball or jewel,
and see visions of spirits or divination.
This technique transcends culture:
practiced all over the world by many peoples.

The Scrying Amulet

The Scrying Amulet

A Sphere of opalescent glass gripped in a sterling silver hand.
The classic image of a crystal ball
set into the fingers of a tiny sculpted hand

The Scrying Amulet is designed to hang on a top bail
which sweeps around the wrist like a tiny serpent.
The glass is opalescent creating a multi-colored effect
swirling as it turns,
bouncing light through it’s spherical lens.

More magical designs my be found in my Mythical Jewelry Page.

Can’t find what you are looking for?

Please visit my How to order Custom Jewelry and Sculpture page

Like Loading...

Merlin’s Wolf Ring

Posted by Amulets by Merlin on June 14, 2015
Posted in: nature Jewelry, Rings. Tagged: Jewelry, sterling silver wolf jewelry, sterling silver wolf ring, Wolf, Wolf Amulet, wolf head ring, Wolf Jewelry, Wolf Ring. 1 Comment

This is the Original Wolf Ring in my collection of jewelry
Originally designed to match the Wolf Amulet,
this ring has the portrait of a wolf gazing at you.
The face is not flat,
rather it is designed more as a “high Relief” sculpture
with the texture of fur
reaching out into the shank
(the band that goes around your finger)
giving it a very organic look to the piece.

The Wolf Ring

The Wolf Ring

I make each ring as they are ordered,
Allowing each ring to be size to fit you.
I can also include an inscription if you choose.
Gold available on request.

To learn more and order the Wolf ring,
please visit my Wolf Ring page.

For more wolf and other animal themed jewelry,
please see my Flora and Fauna Jewelry Page

Share this:

  • Share
  • Share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook
  • Email a link to a friend (Opens in new window) Email
Like Loading...

Merlin’s Flame the Dragon Money Clip

Posted by Amulets by Merlin on June 13, 2015
Posted in: Dragon Jewelry, Money Clips. Tagged: Castor Troy money clip, dragon money clip, Dragon money clips with working jaws, Face Off Dragon Money Clip, John Travolta, Nicolas Cage, Spring loaded jaws dragon money clip articulated jaws dragon money clip, Working jaws money clips. Leave a comment

I was once approached by a client who wanted to have a Dragon Money Clip with spring loaded Jaws.
The original was inspired by the movie Face-Off starling John Travolta and Nicolas Cage.
Because I am very concerned about copy right issues,
I discussed with my client about using the concept of a dragon money clip with working jaws,
but to create the money clip with a different style of dragon head.
The result was the first of my money clips.

After the original Money clip was created,
I received a request for a larger version with a deeper set of jaws.

Flame the Dragon Money Clip

Flame the Dragon Money Clip

I extended the nose and altered the scales
retaining the style
eye lid settings worked into the design.

2 1/2″ by 1 1/2″  (6.8 cm by 3.8 cm)
deep set, spring loaded jaws to grip your folding money.
made of Sterling Silver or Bronze
Stones for the eyes range from red, green, and blue synthetic,
black onyx, and hematite cabochons.
If you wish to go natural: red garnets and other stones on request.

More: visit my Flame the Dragon Money Clip Page

More from my collection of unique money clips please go to: Merlin’s Money Clip Page

Share this:

  • Share
  • Share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook
  • Email a link to a friend (Opens in new window) Email
Like Loading...

Merlin’s Spring Wreath Brooch

Posted by Amulets by Merlin on June 13, 2015
Posted in: Brooches, nature Jewelry. Tagged: brooch pin, Circlet, Flower Brooch, orchid brooch, renaissance faires, spring flower brooch, spring wreath, sterling silver blossom brooch, Sterling silver orchid wreath brooch, sterling silver spring blossom brooch, sterling silver spring wreath brooch, straw flowers, Wreath. Leave a comment

At Renaissance Faires
one may see ladies crowned
with a circlet of flowers.
Often there are booths
where fresh and straw flowers
are twisted tied
fashioned into
wreaths and circlets.

Spring Wreath Brooch

Spring Wreath Brooch

Orchid,
rose, daisy
and other blossoms
with accompanied foliage
ornament this this Wreath of Spring.

Crowned with blooms
and fashioned like a circlet
twisted stems behind,
this sculpture of a circlet
has a brooch pin for your scarf,
jacket, cape or cloak.
Perfect for Ren-Fair enthusiasts
and lovers of Spring.

2 1/4” by 1 1/2” with the classic hing-and-clasp brooch back
Sterling silver
Where to purchase your Spring Wreath Brooch

For more nature jewelry designs, see my Flora and Fauna page

Share this:

  • Share
  • Share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook
  • Email a link to a friend (Opens in new window) Email
Like Loading...

Merlin’s Acorn Brooch

Posted by Amulets by Merlin on June 12, 2015
Posted in: Brooches, nature Jewelry. Tagged: Acorn Brooch, Acorn Brooches, Acorn jewelry, Autumn Brooches, autumn jewelry, oak brooches, Oak Jewelry, silver acorn brooch, silver Acorn jewelry, silver oak brooches, silver oak jewelry. Leave a comment

A spray of Autumn: Acorns, oak leaves, pine cone and other flora makes this brooch a classic adornment for cloaks, capes, scarves and jackets.

The Acorn Brooch

The Acorn Brooch

A hinged pin with a secure catch behind the piece provides a secure fastening to your garment. One and one half inches wide, this deep carving of Autumnal leaf and seed adds class to any ensemble. To get yours, please visit my Acorn Brooch page.

To see more of my brooches, pins and Penannulars, please visit my Brooches, Clasps and Pins page

Share this:

  • Share
  • Share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook
  • Email a link to a friend (Opens in new window) Email
Like Loading...

Merlin’s Custom Pocket Wand

Posted by Amulets by Merlin on June 12, 2015
Posted in: Magic Wand. Tagged: custom copper and sterling silver magic wands, custom magic wands, magick wands, one of a kind magic wands, small custom magic wands, Small magic wands, Wand. Leave a comment

The Pocket Wand,
A tube of copper gilded with a silver run of oak leaves in a clockwise spiral.
A clutch of holly holds a quartz in place,
The pummel set with a Moonstone in the grounding end.
The piece was designed to hold a rolled scroll with a blessing, inserted before completion.

The Custom Pocket Wand
The Pocket Wand

A wand to be easily carried and discreetly used. The person for whom I made it has harnessed the wand’s shape to help her stop smoking, hence the “shape of a cigarette”. Each time she want to smoke, she would take it out and hold it – remembering not to light the business end!

Currently in a private collection.

If you wish to have a wand made, please visit my How to order custom page

To see other custom jewelry, sculpture and more, please visit my Gallery of Custom Works

Share this:

  • Share
  • Share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook
  • Email a link to a friend (Opens in new window) Email
Like Loading...

Merlin’s Custom Gye Nyame Amulet

Posted by Amulets by Merlin on June 11, 2015
Posted in: Amulets, Custom Jewelry, Multi Faith. Tagged: Amulet, custom African Amulet, custom African Jewelry, Custom Amulet, custom Amulets by Merlin, custom Ghana amulet, custom Ghana jewelry, custom Gye Nyame, custom Gye Nyame amulet, custom Gye Nyame pendant, custom Gye Nyamejewelry, Custom Jewelry, Gye Nyame, Gye Nyame Collection Page, Omnipresence Of God. Leave a comment

This unique and beautiful symbol is omnipresent in Ghana. It is the most popular in decoration: a reflection on the deeply religious character of the Ghanaian people.

Custom Gye Nyame Amulet
Custom Gye Nyame Amulet

Symbol of the Omnipotence and the Omnipresence Of God. From the Akan aphorism: Abode santann yi firi tete; obi nte ase a onim ne ahyease, na obi ntena ase nkosi ne awie, Gye Nyame. Literal translation: This great panorama of creation dates back to time immemorial; no one lives who saw its beginning and no one will live to see its end, Except God.

Gye Nyame is a symbol meaning “I am afraid of none but God,” or: “Nyame biribi wo sor” suggests that good things come from above. More information about this symbol and it’s back ground may be found in an earlier article.

I have within my jewelry line the amulet in two sizes, one larger deeply carved piece, a smaller flat version and matching earrings. A client who has enjoyed her set requested the larger piece modified to accommodate a much larger chain. The result was to turn the Custom Gye Nyame Amulet into a more leaf-like shape.

This is a one-of-a-kind piece currently in a private collection. Because I specialize in custom, I am able to modify any of my pieces to fit your ideas and needs. To learn more about custom jewelry can sculpture please visit my How to order Custom page.

If you wish to have the main necklace and earrings as a set, please see my Gye Nyame Collection Page

Share this:

  • Share
  • Share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook
  • Email a link to a friend (Opens in new window) Email
Like Loading...

Merlin’s Custom Dragon Money Clip

Posted by Amulets by Merlin on June 10, 2015
Posted in: Custom Jewelry, Money Clips. Tagged: custom dragon money clips, Custom Jewelry, Dragon Money clips, Face off, Face off money clips, Money clip, spring loaded money clips, Sterling silver dragon money clips. Leave a comment

Some years ago I was commissioned to create a version of the Dragon Money Clip seen in the movie: “Face Off”. I developed my own version of money clip. Not quite a serpentine Eastern Dragon, nor the more “boxy” Western version but indeed my own kind of dragon complete with eyes of jewels and a working jaw to “bite” the bills.

Custom Dragon Money Clip

Later I developed a second, larger version: Flame the Dragon Money Clip. I added a touch of the Eastern Look by including tendrils of flame along the face but it has the stylized scales for of cranium containing the spring that works the jaw. The Ocular cavities where the stones are set are a part of the design itself: the design is not detracted by an obvious setting.

Custom Dragon Money Clip

A gentleman saw Flame the Dragon Money Clip and wanted an even larger version: four inches! The result is this vary large Dragon Money Clip. Like my original version it is a spring loaded clip with a working jaw to bite his cash. With a red stone to fit the iris the piece weighted out to nearly four ounces of sterling silver.

If you are interested in my money clips, please visit my Money Clip page. If you would like a custom piece, please go to my How to order custom jewelry and art page.

Share this:

  • Share
  • Share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook
  • Email a link to a friend (Opens in new window) Email
Like Loading...

Posts navigation

← Older Entries
Newer Entries →
  • Amulets by Merlin

    Unknown's avatar

    Stories about my creations: histories, legends, Myths, rumors, and (sometimes) unrelated musings

  • Enter your email address to follow this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email.

    Join 3,673 other subscribers
  • Amulets by Merlin

    Amulets by Merlin
  • Amulets by Merlin

    Amulets Brooches Celtic Jewelry Celtic Knot Jewelry Celtic Lore Christian Jewelry Cloak Clasps Custom Jewelry Dragon Jewelry Druid Jewelry Drum Circles Drum Jewelry Earrings Greek Mythology Jewelry Humor Jewelry design Money Clips Moon Jewelry Multi Faith music amulet Music Jewelry music pendant nature Jewelry Pagan Jewelry Pentacles Rings Sculpture Tarot Wiccan Jewelry Zodiac Amulets
Blog at WordPress.com.
Amulets by Merlin's Blog
Blog at WordPress.com.
  • Subscribe Subscribed
    • Amulets by Merlin's Blog
    • Join 112 other subscribers
    • Already have a WordPress.com account? Log in now.
    • Amulets by Merlin's Blog
    • Subscribe Subscribed
    • Sign up
    • Log in
    • Report this content
    • View site in Reader
    • Manage subscriptions
    • Collapse this bar
 

Loading Comments...
 

You must be logged in to post a comment.

    %d