Turtle Symbols in Jewelry Design

Whether you call them amulets, charms, fetishes, or talismans, virtually every culture had them.  I like to think of them as little works of art, but they are so much more than that.  They were worn on the body to bring luck, heal, enhance fertility, protect against injury (during travel, hunting, or from bites and stings) or ward off evil, depending on the wearers beliefs and intentions.  They came in many forms, made with different materials, and adorned with different symbols. The meaning and significance in the symbolism of a particular image changed from east to west, culture to culture, and even day to day.  Even if you do not believe in their magical powers, it is fun to know the intention of the artists who created them, and the power felt by the person who wore them before you, as many of the pieces are antiques.  Below is a list of amulets and symbols found in many of the pendants and beads in KatieO jewelry.

Turtle:

The turtle is a symbol of fertility, strength, endurance, and longevity.  As with most water animals it is associated with the moon,  water, and female energy. In India the turtle is a symbol of stability. In China the turtle was a symbol of intelligence and longevity.In parts of Africa the turtle with its ability to live in the water was a symbol of rain and the water spirits.

Photos:  Pendants from the KatieO Collection