What is an amulet in jewellery? Meaning and tradition

by dr. Sigrid van Roode | Magic & Amulets

Amulets and charms

What is an amulet in jewellery? Meaning and tradition

Published Feb 5, 2025

When you have been following this blog for a while, you know that the use of jewellery in informal ritual is one of my main research themes. Jewellery is so powerful when it has the role of amulet! But what is an amulet, exactly…? And what forms can it take? Let’s dive into that in this blog!

In this post, I’ll explore what amulets are, how they function in jewellery, and the many forms they take — from silver cases with inscriptions, to stones like carnelian or turquoise, to simple objects gathered from meaningful places. This blog is a great starting point for my wider exploration of amulets in jewellery traditions across North Africa and Southwest Asia, as it lays the foundation for understanding the world of amulets. At the end of this article, I’ll wrap everything up in a FAQ-section.

What is an amulet? Definitions and cultural meanings

Basically, an amulet is an object that is believed to provide protection, good fortune, or other benefits to its wearer. The word “amulet” derives from the Latin amuletum, which historically referred to an object worn to safeguard against harm.

They go by many names in the region: hirz, higāb, taweez or telsim are just a few of the indications for an amulet. [1] Amulets can take many forms, including inscriptions, gemstones, metals, or organic materials.

While their function varies across different traditions, the common thread is their role as a source of protection and well-being.

Amulets in jewellery: general forms and protective symbols

These objects are part of a longstanding tradition, where materials, shapes, and inscriptions are believed to offer protection, bring blessings, and keep evil away. And that long tradition is, in some cases, so old, that their meaning has changed over time.

Throughout history, specific symbols have persisted in jewellery designs, often without people fully remembering their original meanings. The triangle, for example, appears in numerous regional traditions. It may signify stability, fertility, or protection, depending on the cultural and historical context.

This post about the origin of the triangle shape shows you an example of how that works!

Dots, waves, and geometric patterns are also widespread, and while interpretations vary, their continued use indicates a shared understanding of their beneficial properties. Such motifs are deeply embedded in the visual language of jewellery, passed down through generations as carriers of protection and good fortune.

Amulets with inscriptions: Qur’anic verses and protective texts

What comes to mind often as the first thing when talking about amulets, are pieces containing inscriptions—verses from religious texts, prayers, or symbols created by practitioners skilled in their craft. These talismans are often written on parchment or metal, folded, and enclosed within amulet containers.

See more about those, and the history hidden in their shape, in this blog.

The inscriptions may include verses from the Qur’an, invocations for protection, or numerical and geometric configurations believed to protect. Such inscriptions are considered deeply personal and are rarely shared or displayed openly.

Should you open amulet containers…? Read more about that here!

But there is much, much more in jewellery that may function as an amulet.

Silver, stones, and organic materials in amuletic jewellery

The choice of material is another key factor in amuletic jewellery. Certain stones and metals are believed to hold inherent protective properties.

Silver, for example, is widely used for its association with purity and its supposed ability to ward off harm. Carnelian, turquoise, and amber are frequently incorporated into rings, necklaces, and bracelets due to their perceived protective and healing properties.

Organic materials, such as coral or specific animal parts, are also sometimes used, reflecting an understanding of the natural world as a source of power and protection.

Continuity and change in amulet traditions over time

The thing is, those capacities attributed to materials change significantly over time and per place. So, what may be important in one timeframe, may not carry the same meaning three centuries later, or 20 kilometres away. The power of amulets changes along with its humans, and while these traditions have deep historical roots, they continue to evolve.

They are also prone to commercialisation and marketing: see this article on why pink eye beads really are not a thing!

Understanding the cultural context of jewellery and amulets is crucial if you want to catch a glimpse of the lives of their wearers.

Locality and place: how geography shapes amulets in jewellery

That context sometimes is the literal, actual context of the person who once wore a piece of jewellery. And that is when it gets even more interesting: when we’re looking at materials that seem totally insignificant of themselves. Like pebbles, pieces of flint, a twig of a tree…what could possibly be the value in that, and how would we know? The significance of an amulet is often rooted in local geography: in many traditions, an object gains its power not only from its shape or material but from its origin.

A ritual specialist may prescribe that a piece of flint or a twig must be gathered from a specific location—perhaps a wadi, a mountain pass, or near an ancient well—because that place is believed to hold particular energy or spiritual potency.

This connection between amulets and their place of origin reflects a broader belief that land, history, and spirituality are intertwined. For those who wear these objects, the amulets serve as reminders of their place in the world and the protective forces believed to be inherent in their surroundings.

That is a most beautiful form of connection, and one that is most difficult to interpret for cultural outsiders, too. Sometimes, we are left with nothing more than what looks like a simple pebble, that once meant to world to someone. And when we only look at jewellery as adornment, something as worthless as a regular pebble gets discarded or deselected – its personal and cultural value goes unrecognised.

Frequently Asked Questions about amulets in jewellery

Q: What is an amulet in jewellery?
An amulet in jewellery is an object worn for protection, good fortune, or spiritual benefit. It can take any form imagineable, from religious texts to meaningful objects.

Q: How are amulets different from charms or talismans?
That depends on which definition is used. Broadly speaking, a charm often attracts good luck, while a talisman is made to bring about a specific effect. An amulet is usually worn to protect its wearer from harm or negative forces.

Q: What materials are used for amulets in jewellery?
A wide range of stones such as carnelian, turquoise, and amber, each valued for their individual properties; organic materials such as coral or wood; specific metals such as gold, silver, iron and aluminium for particular circumstances; and any and all materials that hold meaning to the wearer.

Q: Do amulet traditions change over time?
Yes. The meaning and use of amulets vary across regions and periods. A stone or shape that carried power in one century or location might mean something different elsewhere. There is no one-size-fits-all explanation for amulets.

Conclusion: what is an amulet in jewellery?

This short exploration has shown you that everything can be an amulet. Literally everything. Whether it is, depends on so many factors: its material, its symbolism, its cultural context, the process through which it became an amulet, and its importance to its wearer.

I think you may be able to relate to that: we all have that one thing, that ‘lucky charm’ that we carry with us during job interviews or when we travel. It does not even have to be jewellery, it can be a pair of socks, even…but when it makes us feel safer, comforts us or brings us happiness, it is effectively an amulet. But when that pair of socks ends up in the laundry after your trip, can anyone tell their specific importance they hold, but you yourself?

This ‘extra’ use is one of the things that makes jewellery much more than an accessory. It is a repository of cultural memory, identity, spiritual belief, and protective symbolism. Amulets in jewellery are not a side story — they are at the very heart of how jewellery functions in culture.

In North Africa and Southwest Asia, amuletic jewellery has played an essential role in everyday life for a very long time. Jewellery shaped both personal and communal identity, functioned as portable asset, and served protective and symbolic functions simultaneously. I love that multifaceted nature of jewellery!

Amulets and charms in jewellery: learn to decode jewellery yourself!

If you are intrigued by the history, meaning, and traditions behind amuletic jewellery from North Africa and Southwest Asia, an in-depth exploration awaits! The online course on Amulets & Charms delves into the fascinating world of talismans, charms, and protective adornments, offering detailed insights into their cultural contexts and historical significance. Whether you are a collector, a jewellery enthusiast, or simply curious, this course provides the tools to deepen your understanding and appreciation.

Click here to see more, and enroll today to uncover the hidden stories behind these remarkable objects – you could be watching the first episode in 10 minutes from now!

—

Find out more about the symbolism of jewellery in the e-courses!

More posts on amulets, charms and magic? Browse them all here!

Join the Jewellery List and receive new articles, jewellery news and more in your inbox!

—

Discover more on jewellery today!

References

[1] See Garcia Probert 2021, p. 55 for a discussion

The Bedouin Silver blog gives credit where credit is due! Transparent referencing and citing sources helps us all grow. Would you like to do the same and quote this article? Here’s how:

S. van Roode, [write the title as you see it above this post], published on the Bedouin Silver website [paste the exact link to this article], accessed on [the date you are reading this article and decided it was useful for you].

The Bedouin Silver Jewellery Blog: Sigrid van Roode

Sigrid van Roode is an archeologist, ethnographer and jewellery historian. Her main field of expertise is jewellery from North Africa and Southwest Asia, as well as archaeological and archaeological revival jewellery. She has authored several books on jewellery, and obtained her PhD at Leiden University on jewellery, informal ritual and collections. Sigrid has lectured for the National Museum of Antiquities in Leiden, Turquoise Mountain Jordan, and many others. She provides consultancy and research on jewellery collections for both museums and private collections, teaches courses and curates exhibitions. She is not involved in the business of buying and selling jewellery, and focuses on research, knowledge production, and education only. Sigrid strongly believes in accessibility of knowledge, and aims to provide reliable and trustworthy content: that’s why the Bedouin Silver blog provides references and citations.

Triangular amulets: symbolism and jewellery traditions in the Middle East

by dr. Sigrid van Roode | Magic & Amulets

The meaning of triangles

Triangular amulets: symbolism and jewellery traditions in the Middle East

Updated October 1, 2025

Amulets come in many forms, and one of the most familiar is the triangular amulet. Found in jewellery across the Middle East and North Africa, these pieces combine shape, symbolism, and protection. The triangle itself has long been understood as a powerful form, associated with balance, fertility, and strength.

In this blog, part of my series on amulets in jewellery, we’ll look at how triangular amulets appear in silver, beads, textiles, and more — and what they might have meant to the people who wore them.

The symbolism of triangles in amulets and jewellery

Where does the triangle shape of amulets come from? As this is a very ancient symbol, its exact origin is difficult to pinpoint. It may be connected to phenomena in the natural world, such as the sun breaking through clouds, or a stylization of a mountain.

Both are associated with otherworldly realms: the rays of sun are interpreted as a stairway to heaven in some cultures, and mountains are known as places where gateways to other worlds may be located.

Apart from its physical shape, the triangle also carries symbolic value. It represents the constellation of man-woman-child, or the cycle of birth-life-death. Those symbolic values are also echoed in the number 3: see more about numerical values in jewellery here.

The most important thing to remember, I think, is that there is not just one open-and-shut explanation for what a triangle represents. It is not just one and the same thing to every culture that has ever walked this earth. For example, in some cultures, the triangle may also represent a stylized female wearing a dress – or could it be the other way around, that the dress is exaggerated as a triangle precisely because of its symbolic properties?

I’m usually wary of claims for any shape as representing one thing only. The reality of informal ritual and human associations is much more fluid and prone to changes, so instead, I’d suggest we all keep an open mind to the possibility of other explanations.

What we do know, is that the triangle is an important shape, and so you’ll find it in numerous amulets. Let’s look at some examples next! Here, I’ll go into actual amulets, objects designed to keep a person safe or attract good luck – triangles are worked into jewellery as design element in a million ways, but that’s for another blog!

Triangular amulets of gold and silver as containers

One form in which you’ll find triangular amulets, is as an amulet container made of precious metal. These are designed to hold either specific texts, or substances such as incense and herbs. They form part of a complete repertoire of amulet containers: Learn more about amulet containers and their surprising origin in this article.

You’ll find them incorporated into jewellery or worn on their own, executed in gold or silver, or maybe in less precious materials – triangles form a very recognizable form of amulet.

Beaded, textile and leather triangular amulets for protection

The triangle shape is also often used to create amulets that contain something, but that cannot be opened. These more like pouches, and what is contained in them, is often only known to wearer, or even only to the person who made the amulet: the wearer may just have to trust in their craft and knowledge.

These are also worn in jewellery, like the necklace above in the British Museum shows (click to enlarge it). Here, you’ll see a red fabric triangular amulet along with other materials that are known to keep evil at a distance: a tortoise shield and pieces of alum, also in a triangular shape. I’ll be going over those in future posts!

But more often, triangular amulets of fabric, leather of beaded forms are hung on other things than humans: cattle, but also one’s house, car, or utensils. The photo above shows a triangular amulet with golden sequins (and one blue one, against the evil eye), on a loom in Uzbekistan, where I photographed it.

You’ll find them incorporated into jewellery or worn on their own, executed in gold or silver, or maybe in less precious materials – triangles form a very recognizable form of amulet.

Triangular amulets: regional variations

The triangle shape is important in amulets, and this series will continue with very specific examples of triangular amulets that each have their own capacities:

Tunisian resin triangle amulets

Palestinian Hajar Musa triangle amulets

Triangular amulets: Frequently Asked Questions

Why are some amulets triangular?
The triangle is one of the simplest and strongest shapes. It may be derived from sunlight falling through clouds, from the shape of mountains, or refer to female dress. In jewellery, triangular amulets embody this varying symbolism.

What are triangular amulets made of?
They can be made from silver or gold, often serving as containers for prayers or texts. Other examples are created from beads, fabric, leather, or even resin, depending on local traditions.

Where are triangular amulets found?
Triangular amulets are recorded across the wider Middle East and North Africa. Each region used different materials and techniques to shape the triangular form.

Do triangular amulets always have the same meaning?
No. While the triangle often symbolises strength or fertility, its meaning changes depending on time and place.

Are triangular amulets still used today?
The triangle shape is still a popular form for pendants protecting homes, cars and people. They continue to illustrate the cultural importance of amulets in jewellery history.

Triangular amulets: meaning in geometry

By looking closely at triangular forms, we can trace how the simplest geometry became part of a shared visual language of amulets in jewellery.

This post is part of my series on amulets in jewellery — alongside blogs on for example eye beads, glass amulets, and clove necklaces. Together, they show how different materials and forms across the Middle East and North Africa were carriers of protective power!

—

Find out more about the symbolism of jewellery in the e-courses!

More posts on amulets, charms and magic? Browse them all here!

Join the Jewellery List and receive new articles, jewellery news and more in your inbox!

—

Discover more on jewellery today!

Would you like to quote this article? Please do! Here’s how:

Sigrid van Roode

Sigrid van Roode is an archeologist, ethnographer and jewellery historian. Her main field of expertise is jewellery from North Africa and Southwest Asia, as well as archaeological and archaeological revival jewellery. She has authored several books on jewellery, and obtained her PhD at Leiden University on the jewellery of the Egyptian zar-ritual. Sigrid has lectured for the National Museum of Antiquities in Leiden, Turquoise Mountain Jordan, and many others. She provides consultancy and research on jewellery collections for both museums and private collections, teaches courses and curates exhibitions. She is not involved in the business of buying and selling jewellery, and focuses on research, knowledge production, and education only.