Inside Nunn Design
New Nunn Design Charms and Their Symbolism
Adorning oneself with charms can be dated back to 75,000 years ago in Africa. It is possible that charms were originally worn as amulets to ward off evil spirits and bad luck. Over time charms have come to be symbols of faith, symbols of protection, keepsakes of adventures and celebrations of life’s events.
I, myself, am crazy about charms. They are little pieces of art that to me tell a story. As I was developing the latest collection, I put together little stories about each of the pieces we were working on. Who would have thought that a seahorse is a symbol of strength and persistence, or that an arrow symbolizes guidance and purpose toward a goal. My heart has been captured by the ability to tell little stories with my jewelry and to make jewelry that others can wear and maybe attract “inner peace” or “a heightened awareness and intuition”. Heck, if we as humans have been doing this practice for 75,000 years, there has got to be something to it all.
Enjoy getting to know the stories behind the pieces that we choose to beautify ourselves with. Shop from our new 2014 Summer Collection online.
Buddha: Symbolizes harmony and accord in the world.
I make no attempt to understand the full meaning of this wonderful lotus leaf sitting Buddha. From my own research, the image of the seated Buddha meditation may convey openness to balance and peace regardless of one’s situation in life. By allowing oneself to be open, we welcome in a sense of ease, letting go of attachment and resistance, regardless of the situation. Who wouldn’t benefit from accepting balance, peace and ease and letting go of that which they cannot change? I’m in!
Wishbone Charm: Symbolizes good luck.
The Wishbone Charm is a symbol of the promise of good luck. If the Wishbone is unbroken, it symbolizes that a wish or desire is to become true within the near future. I like the idea of the tradition of adding an additional wishbone once a year to my necklace to symbolize all the goodness that I’m open to receiving. Bring It ON!
Owl Charm: Symbolizes wisdom and intuition.
If you are looking to delve deeper into the hidden potential and mystery of your life, the owl can help guide and aid you to stay attentive to that which might have gone unnoticed. I like the idea that this cute little owl charm can help me to see that which I cannot see in the moment. I’m always up for some guidance, wisdom and help trusting my intuition.
Crown Charm: Symbolizes power and honor.
For many who adorn themselves with a crown charm, it could be a way in which to symbolize taking charge of ones own goals, life, ideas and thoughts. This charm can symbolize power, triumph and glory.
Bee Charm: Symbolizes harmony and nurturing of the family.
Avia at Whats-Your-Sign.com talks so very lovingly of bees and their habits and meaning that I can’t come up with anything that could describe it better than her. All I know is that I love the idea of adorning myself with charms of bees, especially this one!
Seahorse Charm: Symbolizes strength, power, persistence and patience.
Wow, seahorses are complicated little creatures. Since the beginning of time the seahorse’s bodies have not changed. They are content being who they are. Their ability to wrap their tails around a plant to anchor on helps them to stay persistent to their goals. Their eyes are sharp and move independently of each other AND the female impregnates the male who then carries the offspring to full term. How awesome is that!!
Heart Charm: Symbolizes the power to bring things to life.
I liked this symbolism much better than “love” especially since it supposedly came from some high paid marketing person at General Mills, the makers of Lucky Charms Cereal. But seriously, a heart charm speaks the language of the person wearing it.
Star Charm: Symbolizes good luck and protection.
This particular star charm is a nautical star. Stars have been thought of as a good luck symbols for centuries. Sailors sometimes decorated themselves with tattoos of nautical stars as a totem of protection and luck against the unknown turbulent and often dangerous seas. The nautical star helped to remind them which way was true North. Since ancient times, our ancestors have turned to the starts to read luck and to navigate the path of safety.
Horseshoe Charm: Symbolizes good luck.
It wasn’t the end result of the horseshoe that was the symbol of good luck in times gone by, but more of the maker of the horseshoe itself, the Blacksmith. The Blacksmith was considered to be an extremely lucky trade because they worked with fire, an element that provided protection against evil. The horseshoe was hung over the doorway of ones home to prevent from the “evil eye” form entering in. The horseshoe was considered lucky too because it used 7 iron nails to be attached, another very important and powerful number.
Fleur Charms: Translates to “Flower of the Lily”
Man, this symbol stuff is really complicated. I just thought I could say that it means “female virtue and spirituality” and be done with it, but this little beauty of a charm has a very complicated past that goes way, way back. If you want to really understand the history, Google search Fleur-de-lis. It’s a really good read!
Arrow Charm: Symbolizes focus and movement forward.
The arrow in flight has a purpose or focus as it moves through the air in pursuit of its target. The forward movement of the arrow symbolizes guidance and purpose towards a goal.
Feather Charm: Symbolizes trust, honor wisdom, power.
The feather often can symbolize the ability to move more freely in life. Lightness. Flight. Ascension.
Eiffel Tower: Symbolizes romance.
Ah, can’t you just imagine it? Strolling along arm in arm with your sweetie munchin’ on some chocolate and fresh bread. I can see it!!!
Coral Charm: Symbolizes inner peace and intuition.
This is another really complicated piece of Mother Nature. Tibetans and American Indians found coral to be a protection against evil. Throughout the Middle Ages it was used to ward off evil spirits and render a fertile harvest. Coral quiets the emotions and brings inner peace as well as promoting intuition. I like the thoughts of inner peace and intuition. I’m going with that.
Anchor Charm: Symbolizes stability.
To anchor to something, or to anchor down is to become stabile in one’s state of physical being as well as state of mind. The anchor represents to many, hope, security and good luck.
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