The Pan Pipe Amulet

Posted by Amulets by Merlin on October 21, 2013
Posted in: Amulets, Greek Mythology Jewelry, Music Jewelry. Tagged: , , , , , , , , , . Leave a comment

The pan flute is considered the first mouth organ,
ancestor of both the pipe organ and the harmonica.
Named for its association with the Greek god Pan,
the pipes of the pan flute are typically made from bamboo
giant cane or other tubular materials.

One of my most cherished memories from childhood
was seeing Fantasia for the first time.
I recall seeing the movie when I was about 9 years old and of all the segments.
Beethoven’s Sixth was my favorite:
seeing all those Greek mythological creatures,
centaurs, cherubs and unicorns flying about were all too wonderful to forget.
For years when I see a cypress tree light by sunset,
I can hear the melodies of the Sixth in my head.

As I have grown older to appreciate summer and harvest time,
there is nothing like a great music to bring in the flavors of the season:
the scene from Fantasia where the Centaurs bring the grapes from the fields
to be crushed and Bacchus is rolled in by his trusted friends,
surrounded by grapes… and the music…

Pipes of Pan Amulet

Pipes of Pan Amulet

To rejoice in the time of year
when music is on the air and people are gathering to share their good cheer,
I have created The Pipes of Pan Amulet. The central feature is a pipe of Pan,
surrounded by grape leaves and a cluster of it’s bounty.
This is for lovers of good times, good company and good music;
an Amulet to celebrate life itself.

Penannular Brooch of Knot-work

Posted by Amulets by Merlin on October 20, 2013
Posted in: Brooches, Celtic Jewelry, Celtic Knot Jewelry, Celtic Lore, Cloak Clasps. Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , . Leave a comment

You must have seen these huge brooches on the kilts and sashes
in Braveheart and other medieval period movies,
perhaps a few in Game of Thrones.
These Celtic cloaking devices
are the precursor to the safety pin;
quite ingenious technology for medieval period garb.
I was introduced to these pins
when I became associated with
the Society for Creative Anachronisms.

The SCA holds gatherings both small and large,
each attempting to recreate an event
(whether a baronial birthday or an all out war)
with the most authentic gear possible.
This Society has developed into world wide movement
of medievalist and renaissance period re-creators
which will (at the drop of a hat)
construct a Faire at the corner of a parking lot,
a duel in the commons
or a Grand Ball in a local Grange.

Upon my first SCA Event,
I was requested to produce a Penannular
not of the normal shape
but a piece that would fit into Medieval Scotland,
and functional:
like the real ones!
Hence, my first creation was the Knot Work Penannular.
A free-form knot shaping the C part of the brooch
and the classic knotted spear for the pin head.

Penannular Brooch

Penannular Brooch of Knot-work

Following the first Penannular Brooch,
I developed other themes which were not period:
grapes, sea horses, stars and more.

I introduced the Penannular to folks
who only attend a renaissance fare once a year (if ever),
thus I created a video demonstrating the use of these
Brooches now posted in my website.
There you will see the Brooch in action
as it is placed on a Plaid!

Penannulars may be used to clasp capes,
cloaks and scarves.
The pins I place on the larger versions are stout:
designed for the heavy,
loose woven fabric like wool.
I also make lighter versions for finer cloth:
like jackets.
I have specially made Brooches for leather as well.
The smallest Penannulars are for very light pieces
and shirts, skirts and the like.

Whether they are simple or ornate,
Penannulars make a great way to tack a loose scarf
or cover an emergency missing button,
 making it look like you did it on purpose!

As always,
if you want something specially made for you,
just ask,
I create everything in my site and only too happy to
create it for you.

For you: the Sun and the Moon!

Posted by Amulets by Merlin on October 19, 2013
Posted in: Amulets, Moon Jewelry, Tarot. Tagged: , , , , , , , , , . Leave a comment

This amulet was by request some years ago.
A client wanted a combination of the solar and lunar influences
with a whimsical feel.

Sun and Moon Amulet

Mingling the ideas presented in the Tarot Series,
I developed an amulet with highlights of the Sun and Moon Amulets:

The Sun
refers to the “countenance”,
the persona one creates and projects in daily life;
the way we use masks to protect our selves and others.
Giving the Sun a face
is a classic illustration
of it’s brilliant personality.

The Moon
presents qualities of a more private reflection.
Dreams,
visions and the vary path of life we travel.
The Moon is often referred to as the Feminine qualities;
however there is a conflict of opinion
between the French and the German symbolism
however the Tarot references remain the same.

The two images combine in a fusion
between the Lunar and Solar qualities we all hold.
As the sun shines forth,
the face looks directly at us
the moon looks to the sun in mild amusement.

The Sun and Moon Amulet
is chosen by those who endeavor to balance their masculine and feminine natures,
to strengthen their abilities to visualize,
to protect and follow through with their dreams and aspirations
with humor and grace.

The Sun and Moon Amulet is a deeply sculpted piece
with a bail placed on the back for you to string a chain or cord.

Not exactly what you are looking for?
I can make “your version” if you wish
For more about personalized jewelry
Please visit my
how to order custom jewelry page

Merlin’s Pentacles

Posted by Amulets by Merlin on October 18, 2013
Posted in: Amulets, Druid Jewelry, Jewelry design, Multi Faith, Pagan Jewelry, Pentacles, Wiccan Jewelry. Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , . Leave a comment

In the old magical documents,

Pentacles did not necessarily mean “Five pointed star” as it does now.
They simply meant: Magical talisman inscribed with any symbol or character.
In one of it’s earliest forms the Pentacle symbolized the first “ADAM”,
signified in early art as “Human Perfection”,
the “First Man” in the Garden of Eden.

Grape Vine Pentacle

Grape Vine Pentacle

In the Tarot
pentacles signify Matter or the Material World.
Each of the Pentacle cards represents a scenario and lesson about money,
influence and decisions.

The five pointed star is found everywhere
from a Sheriff’s badge to a countries’ flag;
it is found in nature within apples,
in flowers and trees.
The Pentacle as a five pointed star
represents the balance between the Elements
(Fire, Water, Air, Earth)
under the Spirit
(the top point).
When presented with the top point up,
this is a symbol of health, wisdom,
balance and good fortune.
When inverted,
like any symbol reversed
it is no longer in balance but rather oppressed:
the elements are over powering the spirit.
When both are shown together
it represents the cycle of life:
the “ups and downs” of one’s existence.

Because I have been creating amulets of many sorts,
I have dedicated my own collection of Pentacles
as five pointed stars
and left the rest to be listed under other categories.
Each of my pentacle amulets are focused on a different aspect of health:
brotherhood, environment, healing, friendship and love.
With over 20 designs to choose from
I have versions that include rough textures,
women’s forms,
the caduceus,
moonstone, caldrons, a pin design for wiccan clergy in the military and much more.
If you cannot find the Pentacle you are looking for,
have no fear.
I can create your design by way of your drawing or description.
More information may be found at Amulets by Merlin custom page.

Dragon Head Money Clips

Posted by Amulets by Merlin on October 17, 2013
Posted in: Custom Jewelry, Dragon Jewelry, Money Clips. Tagged: , , , , , , , . 2 Comments

A few years a go when a fellow (who was a big fan to the Movie “Face-off”)
saw and fell in love with the money clip
John Travolta was proffering.
He asked me if I could make a clip “just like it”.
The problem was that there are copyright issues in design
and being as I specialize in Jewelry design
I respect the sanctity of other people’s work.
I told him that I would be only too happy to make him a Dragon Money Clip,
but I would not make a “copy” of the one in the movie.
After a little discussion
and examining the clip in a screen shot,
we decided to re-design the piece:
I increased detail in the scales and re-shaped the skull.

Orignal Dragon Money Clip

The result was a Dragon Money Clip similar in size, it functions like the original: the jaws articulated to grasp the bills but the detail was more intense.

After the creation of the Original,
another person liked it,
bought it and decided he wanted to “up-grade” the clip:
a larger version.
And so I increased the jaws,
added even more detail in the scales and flames across the face,
making it more distinct than the original design
and provided a larger bite for the bills.
This Dragon Money Clip I named “Flame”.
Flame the Dragon Money Clip
“Flame Dragon Money Clip”

My most recent commission is a one-of-a-kind Dragon Money Clip.
The size was nearly doubled
(four inches long!),
even more detail in the scales and the eyes.
Now the retina and the pupils of the eyes are of garnet
and the “whites” of the eyes are in Sterling as is the entire piece.
The jaws are also articulated as the original
but because of the increased size it can hold a lot of cash:
the envy of any High Roller.

Custom One-of-a-kind Dragon Money Clip

I have also created a variety of Skull Money Clips and more as well,
with stone in the eyes,
cross bones and a Jolly Roger perfect for Pirates,
Bikers and other lovers of the Skull.

For your Pleasure,
I have posted more images of these Skull Money clips,
the original Dragon Money Clip,
Flame and now the new GIANT Dragon Money Clip in my website.

More about Dragon Money Clips!

If you wish for a custom money clip, please visit my
How to order Custom page

The Ouroboros Ring

Posted by Amulets by Merlin on October 16, 2013
Posted in: Amulets. Tagged: , , , , , , . 1 Comment

The Ouroboros (also spelled Uroboros and Oroboris),
is an ancient symbol of a serpent swallowing its own tail.
From 1600 B.C. in Egypt to the movie: “the Never Ending Story”
the Ouroboros has been found in cultures through out many ages.

The Ouroboros Ring

The Ouroboros Ring

The Ouroboros often represents cyclical or self-reflexivity,
something constantly re-creating itself,
the eternal return,
beginning anew after each cycle.
The concept of primordial unity
persisting from the beginning
with such force and quality
it cannot be destroyed.

The Ouroboros has been important
in religious and mythological images,
and alchemical illustrations,
It symbolizes the circular nature of their work.

The Ouroboros Ring for your finger.
Has a small diamond shape in the forehead
symbolizing the “third eye”
perception through illusion;
lightly textured and smooth for comfort.
Each ring is made as it is ordered,
providing the recipient to request unusual sizes.

Would you like this ring modified?
Please visit my:
How to order custom page

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.