Something Special

Posted by Amulets by Merlin on October 15, 2013
Posted in: Amulets, Custom Jewelry, Jewelry design. Tagged: , , , , , , , , . Leave a comment

Are you looking for some one to make Custom Jewelry?
a piece they had dreamed of,
or perhaps a design you developed?
Amulets by Merlin Specializes in making one of a kind pieces,
pairs of rings, pendants, pins and many other pieces
for personal use,
clubs, organizations and fund raisers;
focusing on images important to you,
developing designs which reflect the ideas and intent of purpose.

I start with your ideas.
If you do not already have an image,
I can create a rendering
(an illustration of the piece)
and send it to you for your review.
Once approved,
I create the piece
to your specifications.

Custom Jewelry means True Custom,
the way you want it.

Dragon Butterfly Cloak Clasp

I have been creating pieces for well over 30 years
and provide examples of my work.

For more information on how to have
jewelry made the way you want it,
please visit the Amulets by Merlin
How to order Custom Page.

Custom Tree Ring

Posted by Amulets by Merlin on October 4, 2013
Posted in: Custom Jewelry, Druid Jewelry, Rings. Tagged: , , , . Leave a comment

A classic Sterling silver “class ring style”
with a custom tree embossed and centered in a convex frame.
The Tree carved in the head of the ring is a classic “Bonsai” style of California Oak;
Gnarly,
twisted and spreading.
With the convex background,
it stands high enough for a full High Relief style carving,
yet flush enough with the surface so the art will withstand the test of time.

Custom Tree Ring

Custom Tree Ring

The One-of-a-kind ring was made specially for a client
who wanted the heavy feel of this classic style.
No mold taken for reproduction
and currently in a private collection.

If you wish to have something made just for you, please visit my How to order Custom page.

Custom Thor’s Hammer with Dragons

Posted by Amulets by Merlin on September 28, 2013
Posted in: Amulets, Dragon Jewelry. Tagged: , , , , , , . 1 Comment

I received a request for a Thor’s Hammer with knot-work and dragons.
After a brief inquiry,
I was told “make some original knot-work”,
so I decided to use the dragons themselves to frame the stones:
two amber and one of obsidian mahogany.

Custom Thor's Hammer with Dragons

Custom Thor’s Hammer with Dragons

The two dragons are not identical twins,
each one is slightly different
in both expression and texture,
but similar enough to be presented as a pair.
This original,
one of a kind piece was carved in wax,
then cast using the lost wax method.
The cabochon stones are set into bezel settings,
and the entire piece has a soft patina
to accent the detail in the texture.
The piece is now in a private collection.

If you are interested in a custom Thor’s hammer,
dragons or any other design,
feel free to review my how to order custom page.

Caduceus Pentacle Earrings

Posted by Amulets by Merlin on September 3, 2013
Posted in: Earrings, Greek Mythology Jewelry. Tagged: , , , , , , , . Leave a comment

The Caduceus is the staff carried by Hermes and other Heralds.
A short staff entwined by two serpents and crowned by wings
It was also carried by Mercury the messenger of the gods:
a guide of the dead,
protector of merchants and shepherds
and now represents
the astrological symbol of the planet Mercury.
The symbol is also associated with commerce and negotiation,
printing and other forms of communication.

Caduceus Pentacle Earrings

Caduceus Pentacle Earrings

In North America it is also used as a symbol
of Healthcare and medical practice in general.
It may be noted that in other places of the world,
the symbol of the Rod of Asclepius
is used to represent health care
which looks like a single snake wrapped around a staff
and there are no wings.

The pentacle is a symbol which is also ancient:
symbolizing the balance between the elements
and the spirit in perfect balance.
With the single point up
(representing the spirit)
illustrates the balancing effect of the spirit over the elements.
One may easily visualize a man with legs and arms stretched out:
the feet over the locations of fire and earth,
while the hands over water and air and the head in spirit.

By combining the two images we can see how the concepts merge:
all elements in their place and the communication of Hermes over the top.
By adding the North American view of Health and well being,
one can easily use Caduceus Pentacle as a symbol of health,
good communication and a balance of all things.

The Caduceus Pentacle earrings are 5/8” each
with a small jump rings solidly soldered
to provide security and hung with stainless steel Shepard’s hook finds.
To get yours,
please visit my Caduceus Pentacle Earring page.

Hand of Zeus Amulet

Posted by Amulets by Merlin on August 20, 2013
Posted in: Amulets, Greek Mythology Jewelry, Pagan Jewelry. Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , . Leave a comment

“Begin!”

First the word, then it happens.

The crack of the gun before the race,
the blowing of the whistle that starts the game.
A single moment that is beyond time itself,
a single point of origin
from which a flash of lightning springs into being.

Hand of Zeus Amulet

Hand of Zeus Amulet

“Inspiration!”
The point of fire now has direction: purpose and a way to manifest.

Although named for the Father of the Gods,
Shango would be pleased to be associated with this piece,
the most popular Orisha;
he is a Sky Father,
god of thunder and lightning.
Well loved in the Lukumí religion of the Caribbean,
Shango is also revered by Efa in Africa.
Umvelinqangi is the Sky God from the Zulu mythology,
Baal-Shamin, a supreme deity and the sky god …
both attributes are the lightning bolt.
Amm was a moon god worshiped in ancient
Qataban was also revered as a weather god,
as his attributes included lightning bolts.
Heironeous is the Oeridian god of Chivalry,
Justice, Honor, War, Daring, and Valor.
His holy symbol is a silver lightning bolt;
the images both look and mean the same:
Manifest!

The Hand of Zeus Amulet is an icon akin to the Ace of Wands:
the place from which such movement springs into manifestation.
The hand holding A lightning bolt
directs and guides it into being.
Good for a “make it so” day:
marathons, deadlines, important meetings,
and “putting on your thinking cap”.
This amulet would be the equivalent to the “Power Tie”.

The Awens

Posted by Amulets by Merlin on August 14, 2013
Posted in: Amulets, Belt Buckles, Celtic Jewelry, Druid Jewelry, Earrings, Pagan Jewelry, Rings. Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , . Leave a comment
The Awen Page

Amulets by Merlin Awen

In the words of Isaac Bonewits:

“The sign of “the Three Rays”
is used by members of the United Ancient Order of Druids,
the Ancient Order of Druids,
the Order of Bards Ovates & Druids,
and many other followers of Druidry.
It can be seen as symbolizing Sky Father Energy
in balance with the Earth Mother energy of the Druid Sigil,
as well as any of a thousand other sets of three ideas.”

The classic image of the Awen
is three concentric circles,
at the top are three “dots”
representing the “source”
and from it three “rays” of light.
I have created a couple of one-of-a-kind pieces
with this classic symbol of the Druids.
Years ago Isaac Bonewits commissioned his own version:
a circle of leaves, acorns and staves
illustrating the dots and rays of emanation.
On the reverse side of the “signature”:
“Bonewits” and that of the artist:
“Merlin” or Kirk McLaren of Amulets by Merlin.
For the Bonewits designs,
I continue to send royalties to Isaac’s Widow
for every one of the Bonewits collection.

Since the original design,
I have expanded the Awens to two sizes as amulets,
a smaller version as earrings and a stout ring.
For those who wish to celebrate the Awen all year long,
I have made a “Winter Awen” version featuring pine cones and holly.
For the more adventurous,
I can also add a patina to “green it up a bit” and enamel the berries.
This design is available both as an amulet and a belt buckle.

If you are looking for Awen Jewelry,
this is the page for you!
If you don’t find the design you are looking for,
please visit my How to Order Custom Page.

Custom Dove and Wolf Amulet

Posted by Amulets by Merlin on August 5, 2013
Posted in: Amulets, Custom Jewelry. Tagged: , , , , , , , , . Leave a comment

She loves the Dove and all it symbolizes.
For the love of home, family
and the Will to Be True to her Sweetheart.

Custom Dove and Wolf Amulet

Custom Dove and Wolf Amulet

He Loves the Wolf,
the courage, intelligence and vigilance
to protect what he cares for.

The Couple asked to have an amulet created to symbolize their love together.
After approving the rendering the amulet:
Wolf and Dove was created as a one of a kind piece.
Within the talons of the Dove is set a Blood Garnet, beneath the wolf sings.
A bail was placed behind the Dove
creating the illusion the piece is “floating” on a chain or cord.

If you have an idea but not an image to work from,
if you have a totem,
favorite animal or symbol
I can help you design your piece
so it will present the look and feel you want.
To have a custom piece made specially for you,
please visit my “How to order Custom” page.

The Triquetra Earrings

Posted by Amulets by Merlin on August 3, 2013
Posted in: Celtic Jewelry, Celtic Knot Jewelry, Celtic Lore, Earrings. Tagged: , , , , , , , , . Leave a comment

Triquetra simply means “triangle”
and has been used to refer to a variety of three-cornered shapes
but has been evolved into a symbol of depth.
Often seen in the Book of Kells,
some have surmised that because of its frequent use
as ornamentation
It has been a part of folk lore predating the creation of the ancient texts.
It appears in stone and metal on crosses,
markers, jewelry and other artifacts
through-out Celtic history.

The Triquetra Earrings

The Triquetra Earrings

Because of the Christian Influence
and their lore concerning the Trinity,
many have attributed the shape to represent:
“The Father, Son and Holy Ghost”,
but it could easily represent any lore that embraces the Three:
Parents and child;
the three phases of human existence:
Youth, Middle Age and the Elderly;
Maiden, Mother, Crone;
Green Man, Hunter, Sage.
All Threes:
a number of Manifestation in Creation.

In recent years
it has been popularized within the Pagan and Wiccan communities,
for they too love the manifestation of Three.
It has even been embraced in the Television series “Charmed”;
the Triquetra is embossed on the Grimoire of the Three Sisters.

The Triquetra Earrings represent the Trinity,
the manifestation of Three and the integrity of one purpose through love.
The Triquetra Earrings are for those who cherish
the idea of the Trinity in its many forms.

Mermaid Earrings

Posted by Amulets by Merlin on July 26, 2013
Posted in: Earrings. Tagged: , , , , , , , , , . Leave a comment

Mermaids are found in folklore all over the world.
In English,
the word is taken from mere (sea)
and maid (or young girl)
however there are mermaid stories of these half fish,
half woman in lakes and rivers too.

Mermaid Earrings

Mermaid Earrings

As early as 1000 BC accounts are found in Assyria
where the goddess Atargatis turned into a mermaid in shame
for killing her lover.
The stories are not confined to tragedy:
some stores are of generous mermaids
giving blessings and falling in love with their human counterparts.
In 15th century China there is a story about a mermaid
who wept tears which became pearls.
In India Suvannamaccha is a mermaid princess
who tries to ruin Hanuman’s attempt to build a bridge to Lanka,
yet falls in love with him instead.
In Africa the Mami Wata are water spirits of both sexes.
In the Caribbean a mermaid is called Aycayia,
in Haiti the Loa called La Sirene
and associated with the Orisha Yemaya.

I wanted to focus on the more pleasant version
of these stories when designing the Mermaid earrings.
She is a complete sculpture,
yet only ¾ of an inch long.
Her tail curves onto itself
and her hands meet above her head,
her expression of quiet contemplation
and she swims though the waters.
She swims with a grace that could only exist
in the passion of such creatures.

To get your Mermaid Earrings,
please go to my Mermaid Earring page.

Morning Star Earrings

Posted by Amulets by Merlin on July 22, 2013
Posted in: Earrings. Tagged: , , , , , , , . Leave a comment

Classically,
the Morning Star as a weapon
is a mace with a ball and spikes on one end.
A medieval weapon which came into popularity
around the 14th century in Germany
and was known as a Morgenstern;
often confused with a simple military flail
or Kriegsflegel
which is a wood shaft which included iron bars at the end.

Morning Star Earrings

Morning Star Earrings

When I originally designed these earrings,
I was attempting to re-create the Kettenmorgenstern
(which translates chain-morning star,)
again a kind of flail.
When writing or describing these
I simply referred to them as the Morning Star,
and left it at that.
I was often corrected when attending the various SCA events
by the Period Experts,
however they liked them anyway.

These earrings are made of sterling silver:
a handle carved to replicate wood,
banded together and a small jump ring
to attach the classic ball at the bottom.
The ball has small “spikes”
which are more rounded than pointy
so as not to get caught in hair
or leave a mark on your cheek.
A classic look for those who enjoy a more medieval look.
To get your Morning Star Earrings,
please go to my Morning Star Earring page.