Merlin’s Custom Rose in Flight Amulet

Posted by Amulets by Merlin on April 13, 2015
Posted in: Amulets, Custom Jewelry, Jewelry design. Tagged: , , , . Leave a comment

The Rose is attributed to Love,
the goddesses Aphrodite and Venus;
it is attributed to purity and many things we consider sacred.
In this one of a kind amulet,
centered is a hand blown piece of glass formed into a rose and gave it wings:
hand engraved the wings to catch and flash the light.
The “root” of the rose is twisted into a Moon Stone,
a stone of Vision.
The amulet is a progression from the spark of inspiration,
how it can blossom and rise beyond what we thought we could accomplish
so long as our hearts are True.

Rose in Flight Amulet

This was not commissioned:
the Rose in Flight was designed and created “all at once”.
I found a glass blower who was interested in using his work
as center pieces in jewelry and developed this in hope to design an entire line
of Silver and glass pieces.
Unfortunately, the glass blower no longer creates,
so this is the only amulet of it’s kind.

Rose in Flight Amulet is now in a private collection.

If you are interested in having something like this made for you,
please visit my how to order custom page.

Merlin’s Custom Yin-Yang Amulet

Posted by Amulets by Merlin on April 12, 2015
Posted in: Amulets, Ankh Jewelry, Multi Faith, Ouroboros. Tagged: , , , , , , , , , . Leave a comment

In my line of jewelry, I have a Yin-Yang Amulet.
Wrapped around the edge is the Ouroboros and for the “two spots”
signifying the Light in Darkness and Darkness in Light I placed pentacles.
This amulet has been a part of my line for many years,
quite popular when I was traveling from one festival to another.
The combination of these three ideas in one piece provided an amulet
quite broad in meaning and focused for a particular kind of person.

Recently I received a request to modify the amulet.

Although she loved the idea of the combination she wrote:

“I am more drawn to the Ankh than I am to the Pentacle,

is it possible to replace the Pentacles with Ankhs?”

As I specialize in custom,
I was glad to do it!
And so, the most recent version of this complex amulet has the Ankh replacing the Pentacles: a Custom Yin Yang Amulet.

If you like what you see in my Jewelry Line,
but want a modification,
Write me and let me know what changes you wish and I will be happy to do so.
Modifications are only a small fee,
but with alterations the piece becomes a one-of-a-kind!

Custom Yin Yang

For more information on Custom,
be sure to visit my How to order custom page

Merlin’s Leaf Knot Cloak Clasp

Posted by Amulets by Merlin on April 11, 2015
Posted in: Celtic Jewelry, Celtic Knot Jewelry, Celtic Lore, Cloak Clasps. Tagged: , , , , , , . Leave a comment

The Leaf Knot Cloak Clasp
designed with a frame of leaf and knot work to look like an arbor.
This two sided designer clasp adds distinction,
classically Celtic with a fresh look.

This clasp is perfect for jackets and cloaks:
it is to be stitched on each side of your garment
using three loops on the back of each panel for stability.
A hook and eye is provided so the two portions of the clasp may be clasped together.
The Leaf Knot Cloak Clasp is strong,
capable of holding heavy cloth;
perfect for wool or other bulky cloaks.

Leaf Knot cloak clasp

If you would like to learn more or purchase your clasp,
please visit the Leaf Knot Cloak Clasp page.

Merlin’s Peace Amulet

Posted by Amulets by Merlin on April 10, 2015
Posted in: Amulets, Peace Jewelry. Tagged: , , , , , , , , . Leave a comment

In an earlier post, I described the history of the Peace Sign, how it was in 1958 Holtom described the design as a figure in the “manner of Goya’s peasant before the firing squad.” Later Bertrand Russell suggested the design formed the naval code of semaphore, and the symbol represents the code letters for ND.’” The code ND for Nuclear Disarmament. I also pointed out how similar it is to the Elder Futhark when the peace symbol is reversed looks like the rune of “Protection” or Algiz.

Growing up in the sixties, I saw the peace sign everywhere, usually in marches on TV and in the streets around local universities and collages, on t shirts and as pendants. I learned of older brothers of my friends who were not returning from the war and became more concerned about “why” there was war and “how” one could bring a halt to the blood shed.

The Peace Amulet

Then I learned of the Trail of Tears: an act of genocide by our government and it’s interests: the removal included many members of the Cherokee, Muscogee (Creek), Seminole, and Choctaw nations among others, from their homelands to “Indian Territory”. Originated from a description of the removal of the Choctaw Nation in 1831 (then President Andrew Jackson) many Native Americans suffered from exposure, disease and starvation en route to their destinations. Many died, including 4,000 of the 15,000 relocated Cherokee.

In spite of the millions who have perished in wars, we as a people continue to wage war as a solution to disagreements between nations, pursuing wealth and enforcing ideology on others. In spite of our losses, the obvious cost in life, land and our own morality in continuing to justify conflict, war continues to be the solution of choice between nations, religions and monetary institutions.

We have seen the result of war: lives lost on the battlefield, broken spirits returning from conflict who trained to kill without remorse decide to continue what they are taught only to find themselves addicted to drugs, in prison or turn to suicide. Those of us who recognize the price we pay of war have advocate Diplomacy. Conflict resolution through negotiation. It is less glamorous, harder to work with, but the results are a more stable society, prosperity and a healthier people.

In creating the Peace Amulet, I altered the standard shape of the Peace sign into a teardrop in honor of those who have given their lives for a better world, to honor those who have suffered at the hands of others and a reminder we all have an opportunity to change the world by thoughtfully responding to conflict, seeking a peaceful resolution and choosing Peace.

This amulet represents the concept and ideals of Peace, a commitment: making a better future, shedding corruption, turning away from abuse and despite, and never forgetting the cost of war.

To purchase yours, please visit my Peace Amulet Page.

Merlin’s Custom Thor’s Hammer Amulet

Posted by Amulets by Merlin on April 9, 2015
Posted in: Amulets, Custom Jewelry, Jewelry design. Tagged: , , , , . Leave a comment

Thor's Hammer Amulet

Made upon request, a Sterling Silver Thor’s Hammer Amulet. Chunky, heavy frame,
the bail in the classic tube setting allowing a chain to pass through.
Adorned with two natural garnets and a single piece of amber.
Runes inscribed on the handle as per the request of the client.
Made as a one of a kind Amulet

If you wish to have a Thor’s hammer created by your design, or any other piece made,
please visit my how to order custom page.

Merlin’s Custom Living Circle Tree Amulet

Posted by Amulets by Merlin on April 8, 2015
Posted in: Amulets, Custom Jewelry, Druid Jewelry, Jewelry design, nature Jewelry. Tagged: , , , , . Leave a comment

A tree framed in its own root and branch,
suspended on a chain of moons: one full moon, one at it’s crescent.
Within the bark of the tree a face emerges.
Hidden in the branches are scattered stars carved to look like a part of the bark.

Living circle Tree amuletLiving Circle Tree Amulet

This living circle presents how everything is connected:
life offering itself to Life,
containing the potential of greater things.

This Living Circle Tree Amulet was designed and created
as a fund raiser/raffle
for those who lost their homes in a hurricane here in Virginia, 2003.

If you would like something like this,
please visit my How to Order Custom Jewelry and Sculpture Page,
or simply email me for details.

Merlin’s Custom Lute Penannular

Posted by Amulets by Merlin on April 7, 2015
Posted in: Brooches, Celtic Jewelry, Celtic Lore, Cloak Clasps, Custom Jewelry, Music Jewelry. Tagged: , , , , , . Leave a comment

I have made various Penannulars over the years, some very traditional, some designed with Celtic knot work on it, others comprised with the knots themselves; but this one-of-a-kind Lute Penannular is the most unusual. Solid sterling with a ring behind the pin head so it may travel around the frame, the ends resolve in Lute Bodies: the frame itself is a fret board. The head of the pin is comprised of the tuning pegs. My intention was to provide a Bard (a person dedicated to music and communicating News and stories through Music) with an unusual clasp which is both traditional and stretches the idea in new ways.

Lute Penannular

Penannulars have been used by the Celts for centuries: typically to fasten their Kilts, scarves and other materials together. Although typically used by Women in formal attire, Men have utilized them as well. In modern times you typically see these “Celtic Cloaking Devices” when at the Renaissance Faire or in movies, Penannulars have been used by the Celts for centuries, now making a “come back” and appearing on jackets, scarves, cloaks and coats.

This Penannular functions like one of the originals, it’s use illustrated in a short video. Unlike the old version, I have pushed the limit of design into humor: one can almost see how the strings would “bend” around the fret board and result in a duel Lute, presenting two sides of a story, adding a new depth in story and song.

If you would like to have a special piece made for you, please visit my How to Order Custom Page and you are always welcome to email me!

Merlin’s Moon and Star Ring

Posted by Amulets by Merlin on April 5, 2015
Posted in: Moon Jewelry, Pagan Jewelry, Pentacles, Rings, Wiccan Jewelry. Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , . Leave a comment

Most symbols of this kind hold the crescents with the points facing outward, representing the phases of the moon. The the full moon in the center with a pentacle over the top. The classic symbol of the moon phase is much more common. When I developed this design in the 1980s, I configured the crescents pointing inward.

Moon and Star Ring

The center disk is the New Moon, holding possibilities. Much like other mysteries, the “absence” of illustration holds more possibilities than to render the idea in total. From Nothing comes All Things. I developed the same idea in my Tarot Series Judgment Amulet, creating a “faceless Angel” to represent that which transcends the normal countenance seen in many other images. By “not showing” (much like not speaking) One may present an idea which is beyond expression. The New Moon is a time of void, a time “before” when things begin beyond observation.

The crescents are pointing inward to illustrate the Hands of the Goddess protecting her Wisdom and her People. This heavy ring represents the in-born knowledge we are all blessed with at birth, protected and nurtured by the Goddess. All that is required is to respond with Good Intent and follow through with the Great Work of bringing Peace and Harmony to our homes and community.

The Pentacle is like the Rough Star Amulet in texture, giving the feel of primordial origins, set between two crescent moons, each facing in rather than out: providing a feeling of protection. If you would like to have this ring made for you, please visit my Moon and Star Ring page.

Merlin’s Flame Dragon Amulet

Posted by Amulets by Merlin on April 4, 2015
Posted in: Amulets, Dragon Jewelry, Jewelry design. Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , . Leave a comment

A Dragon arises in a circle of fire,
head bent to listen,
her radiance blesses all around her.
Wings stretching into flight;
tail of fire and flame spell out the artist’s name…

Original art by m’Lady Tony,
original painting created in the mid sixties.
While living in Hawaii in the mid 80s,
the painting had been lost
(a stolen folder of Dragon Art,
each image of a Dragon with the name “Tony” worked into the design)
for years,
only a concept sketch survived.
As a gift,
I re-created her Flame Dragon from a scribble in her notebook.
So delighted with it,
she insisted we add the amulet to the line.

A few years later I attended Free Spirit Gathering (FSG);
and lo, there was a painting so similar it stopped me cold.
For a minute I thought I was looking at the lost painting,
but no,
it too was an original work of art perceived as a Phoenix!

The Flame Dragon Amulet

The Flame Dragon Amulet

I found the coordinators of the event and brought them to my tent sheltering my display of jewelry.
They too were impressed at the similarity.
After a very strange “chicken or the egg” conversation we all agreed
“nobody copied anybody”,
the two artists were on the same wavelength,
from two points of the globe arose the same image.

Tony and I decided to offer use of the Flame Dragon Amulet,
celebrating FSG, providing them a fundraiser for the festival.
For several years I produced jewelry for the event,
not just of this design but others their artists envisioned.

After well over 20 years, I am now re-releasing the amulet to the public
under it’s original name “The Flame Dragon”.
This amulet is for those who love Dragons,
their grace and purpose:
to cleanse and transform that which IS to what it Will Be.
To purchase this amulet please visit The Flame Dragon Amulet page.

Merlin’s Peace Ring

Posted by Amulets by Merlin on April 3, 2015
Posted in: Peace Jewelry, Rings. Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , . 2 Comments

The history of the Peace Symbol began in the mid 20th century when the world trembled in fear. For the first time in human history we realized the possibility of literally destroying the world by aggressively and uncompromisingly enforce an ideology down the throats of another population.

In response, Gerald Herbert Holtom (1914-1985) created the Peace symbol on February 21, 1958. Holtom worked with the Direct Action Committee against Nuclear War (DACANW), a dedicated peacemaker and graduate of the Royal College of Arts and worked on a farm in England as a conscientious objector.

“I drew myself: the representative of an individual in despair, with hands palm outstretched outwards and downwards in the manner of Goya’s peasant before the firing squad.”

 Bertrand Russell (1872-1970), a philosopher, historian, mathematician, and a member of the DACANW, supported Holtom and made the image’s first public appearance in the United Kingdom during the 1958 Easter weekend Direct Action Committee anti-nuclear march from London to Aldermaston.

He wrote: “It was invented by a member of our movement (Gerald Holtom) as the badge of the Direct Action Committee against Nuclear War, for the 1958 Aldermaston peace walk in England. It was designed from the naval code of semaphore, and the symbol represents the code letters for ND.’” The code ND for Nuclear Disarmament. The circle, representing the concept of total or complete, surrounds the N and D signifying total or complete nuclear disarmament.

Ken Kolsbun, (author of the book Peace: The Biography of a Symbol), said Holtom expressed regret in not designing the peace symbol with the joyful lifting of arms towards the sky; Holtom’s wish that the peace symbol connotation of despair be changed to joy, when the peace symbol is inverted the letter “N” becomes the semaphore code for “U” which could mean “universal” disarmament or the less popular but courageous “unilateral” disarmament. In the Elder Futhark, this reversed peace symbol is also that of “Protection” or Algiz.

The symbol has been corrupted during the sixties when the “establishment” accused the bearers of the symbol as “anti-American” and cowards.

Peace Ring
Peace Ring

When designing this ring I included teardrops on the sides, each forming peace signs representing the Trail of Tears, an act of genocide by our government and it’s interests: the removal included many members of the Cherokee, Muscogee (Creek), Seminole, and Choctaw nations among others, from their homelands to “Indian Territory”. Originated from a description of the removal of the Choctaw Nation in 1831, many Native Americans suffered from exposure, disease and starvation en route to their destinations. Many died, including 4,000 of the 15,000 relocated Cherokee. By including the tears we recall the price of inhumane decisions and turn to compassion as our guide in the future.

This ring represents the concept, ideals and cost of Peace Making and commitment to making the future a better time to live and grow: shedding corruption, turning away from abuse and despite; creating a better way to live and love each other and never forgetting the cost of conflict.

To purchase, please visit my Peace Ring Page.