This collection has been inspired by amulets of the Silk Road. While today travel is considered to be a leisurely activity, historically travel was for the adventurous few willing to take risks for the prospects of fortune, conquering lands or carrying important messages from east to west and vice versa.

Embarking on long and unsafe expeditions, travelers carried amulets to protect themselves from the dangers and misfortune of the long journey ahead. Amulets or talismans came in different shapes and materials but were generally small, portable and were worn close to the skin and body.

THE HAMSA HAND:

An ancient Middle Eastern amulet symbolizing the Hand of God, the Hamsa Hand (also referred to as hand of Fatima) is believed by Jews, Christians and Muslims, to provide defense against the evil eye. In all faiths it is a protective sign and brings its owner happiness, luck, health, and good fortune.

EVIL EYE:

The symbol and superstition of the evil eye is one of the strongest symbolic images in the world. The evil eye is thought of as a look given to inflict harm, suffering, or some form of bad luck. The superstition of the evil eye holds that the malicious look is powerful enough to bring about actual disaster for the unfortunate person that is the receiver of the glare. The most popular method of escaping the evil eye’s effects is by the use of evil eye talismans and jewelry. These are meant to “reflect” the power of the evil look. The evil eye amulet originated in Greece, where it was known as an “apotropaic” amulet, meaning that it reflected harm.

ESFAND SEEDS:

known as “uzerlik” in Azerbaijani, is a dried plant that is often strung in the homes and vehicles to protect against the evil eye. Esfand seeds were used to ward off evil in Zoastrian Azerbaijan. It is also used as an incense to purify the air as well as the mind, a common practice in homes of Azerbaijan today.A scarf can symbolize protection. Scarves protect us from the sun, wind and the cold and are worn close to sensitive parts of the body, such as the skin, head and neck. Embellished with strong protective symbols, scarves from the Amulet collection protect and provide comfort to its owner through bad weather, travel and hardships. The color palette references earth notes and spices found on the silk road – shades of olive, saffron, brown, burgundy, scarlet, and ochre.