The History of “Protective” Jewelry
The spooky season is upon us, and with that, it feels especially appropriate to dive into one of the most interesting topics in the world of jewelry.
Throughout history, jewelry has carried a great deal of meaning and symbolism. It has also often carried a spiritual connotation, with various symbols used as protective talismans for the wearer.
The Cornicello
We have recently seen a resurgence in one of these protective charms in particular: the cornicello. Also known as the “Italian horn,” the cornicello has long been used to ward off bad intentions, namely malocchio, or the “evil eye.” The amulet traces back to ancient times, when horns represented protective forces of nature.
A somewhat lesser-known association with this amulet is its link to Greek mythology. The cornucopia became a symbol of nature and fertility after being broken from a goat by Zeus and filled with flowers and fruit. When crafted in red, typically coral, it is said to be sacred to Venus, the goddess of love. When crafted in silver, it is associated with the moon goddess Luna.
If you are considering wearing this symbol as a protective charm, let it be noted that it is said to bring the best luck when received as a gift rather than purchased for oneself.
The Mano Figa
The mano figa is an ancient amulet in the shape of a hand gesture, tracing back to ancient Etruscan and Roman Italy. It depicts a closed fist with the thumb protruding between the pointer and middle fingers.
Originally, this was a symbol of sex between a man and a woman, representing fertility, virility, and feminine power. In some cultures, the mano figa is seen as an offensive gesture, similar to giving the middle finger, while in others, it is used as a protective charm. Interestingly, it is the obscenity of the gesture that lends itself to operating as a protective force, shocking and distracting evil spirits. Often crafted in black materials such as jet, onyx, or obsidian, these charms are believed to absorb and neutralize dark energies, acting as a shield.
An example of how this symbol exists across cultures is its popularity in Brazilian folk magic, where small black figas are commonly placed on young children to ward off jealousy and sudden misfortune.
The Scarab Beetle
Another very common symbol spanning eras is the scarab beetle. Originating in ancient Egypt, the scarab beetle was associated with the sun god Khepri, a deity linked to the rising sun and rebirth. Scarabs were used as protective talismans and were believed to bring good fortune and strength. During their lifetimes, Egyptians wore scarabs as rings, bracelets, necklaces, and seals. After death, however, scarabs were placed inside mummy wrappings, usually over the heart, as a means of protecting the soul and guiding it through the afterlife.
Egyptian motifs have experienced multiple periods of revival throughout history. The Victorians were very taken with ancient civilizations, thanks in part to the archaeological exploration happening at the time, and drew inspiration from ancient Etruscan and Egyptian designs. The fascination with ancient Egypt carried through the turn of the century, and upon the discovery of King Tutankhamun’s tomb in 1922, scarab beetles experienced yet another resurgence during the Art Deco era. Later, in the 1970s, traveling museum exhibitions featuring discoveries from King Tut’s tomb sparked a new wave of scarab beetle designs in jewelry, particularly bracelets and pendants.
More Than Just Adornment
One of the things we find most fascinating about antique jewelry is the meaning behind the pieces themselves. Beyond the materials, craftsmanship, and design, there is often a deeper history attached to the symbols we wear. With Halloween just around the corner, it seems fitting to revisit these symbols and the beliefs that have surrounded them for centuries. Whether or not you believe in their protective properties, these amulets offer a glimpse into the traditions and superstitions that have shaped jewelry throughout history, and are a wonderful reminder of how much more a piece of jewelry can hold beyond its beauty alone.
The Story and Symbols of Heirloom Abbey
Our brand story brings together the simple pleasures of our home life with the shared adventures of our travels. Long before we founded Heirloom Abbey, Abbey and I bonded over our favorite movies, cherished books, and journeys through Europe, through which we discovered a mutual love for Gothic architecture. We have always been captivated by ancient abbeys and cathedrals, whether we were admiring them on a screen, a page, or standing before them in person. There is something incredibly grounding about the way these beautiful spaces hold onto centuries of history. By enduring through generations, they protect the craftsmanship, stories, and traditions of the past, and that sweet sense of permanence became the heart and soul of Heirloom Abbey.
A Sanctuary for Stories
The name Heirloom Abbey reflects this very dedication to preservation. Historically, abbeys served as sanctuaries where manuscripts, artwork, knowledge, and craftsmanship were meticulously protected and passed down through generations. We view vintage and antique jewelry through that same sacred lens—safeguarding the treasures of the past so they can become the heirlooms of the future. Every piece carries the unique design, artistry, customs, and personal stories of its past keepers. A faded engraving, a softened edge, or an old repair is a beautiful reminder that someone cherished and lived with that piece long before it found its way to us.
A Window Through Time
The Gothic window at the heart of our logo represents a portal into the past. Jewelry offers a uniquely personal glimpse into history: a Victorian mourning ring speaks to shifting traditions of love and remembrance, while an Edwardian diamond reflects the exquisite craftsmanship and technological breakthroughs of its era. These intimate details make history tangible. Instead of simply reading about a bygone time, we can physically hold an artifact that lived through it.
The Quatrefoil
At the apex of the Gothic arch sits a quatrefoil, an ancient motif central to Gothic architecture and decorative arts. While its four-lobed form traditionally symbolizes harmony, eternity, faith, hope, love, and luck, for us, it represents continuity. Jewelry moves from one hand to another, traveling through generations and across decades. This enduring cycle allows a piece crafted long ago to seamlessly become part of a brand-new story.
The Monogram
At the center of the window rests the intertwined monogram of Heirloom Abbey. These letters represent both the personal partnership between Abbey and me and the interconnected journey of every treasure we encounter. Inspired by antique monograms, engraved signet rings, and historic architectural details, we designed this mark to feel as though it naturally belonged alongside the very pieces we love.
More Than a Logo
Every element of the Heirloom Abbey logo reflects the heart of our mission: to create a sanctuary where history is treasured, craftsmanship is celebrated, and old treasures find new beginnings.
To us, an heirloom’s true worth isn’t found simply in its age or price tag, but in its human connection. Every piece carries the intimate imprint of another life while holding space for a beautiful new chapter to unfold.
That is the soul of Heirloom Abbey—preserving what came before while guiding these timeless pieces toward the people who will carry their stories forward.