The difference between Talismans and Amulets

The difference between Talismans and Amulets

I'm often asked about the difference between amulets and talismans as they feature in many of my designs.

Both are positive spiritual charms that are worn to help the wearer or to ward off evil. The belief in the powers of amulets and talismans could nearly be as old as human civilization.

Amulets are believed to have the power to ward off negative energy, evil spirits or even illness and are worn as protection.  A classic example is the Evil Eye symbol which dates back to 1500BC and can be found in Phoenicians, Persian, Greek, Roman and Ottoman artefacts. The Evil Eye symbol is said to reflect curses right back on the sender like a mirror and therefore shield the wearer from harm.

Talismans work differently to amulets. They are believed to empower or enhance the wearer with positive energies like confidence and creativity.  Talismans can be in the form of symbols but most often in the form of gemstones harnessing their natural healing vibrations. 

I've found talismans and amulets are often mis labelled because non gemstone talisman are rarer to come by.  Here are two of our talisman designs based on those of the Tuareg people of the Sahara.  The Sahara is always close to my heart after travelling there and seeing it first hand and also my family being of West African heritage.