Jewelry protects superstitious from harm

As odd as it may seem now, petrified snail amulets were thought to bring good luck in the 18th century.

But today there are more subtle ways to protect oneself against the bad luck of Friday the 13th.

Throughout history, jewelry has been believed to protect the wearer from harm -- a property that the superstitious might want to take advantage of today.

In fact, the original purpose of jewelry was to be "something magical worn on the body to protect the wearer or increase his powers," according to the book Objects of Adornment: 5,000 Years of Jewelry from the Walters Art Gallery, Baltimore.

The perception that certain gemstones had magical properties was a major cause of this belief, according to the book Tudor and Jacobean Jewellry by Diana Scarisbrick.

How the lucky wearer decided to adorn himself or herself made all the difference in the effects of the stones.

"To allow these magical powers to pass freely, the stones were usually open-set and worn close to the skin," according to Tudor and Jacobean Jewellry.

Stones set so the back of the jewelry was open -- a type of setting that is still used today -- allowed the magical properties to be "transmitted directly into the skin," according to the book.

But the specific magical properties depend on the type and color of the stones used.

Certain stones symbolize luck and protection, said Kim VanBuskirk, a jeweler at Moyer Jewelers, 100 E. College Ave.

For example, emerald and garnet are believed to keep travelers safe; peridot is thought to drive away evil spirits; tourmaline, which comes in a range of colors, aids against misfortune; and citrine, a mustard-yellow stone, supposedly protects against snake venom and evil thoughts, VanBuskirk said.

Andrea Minasian, owner of Tower of Glass, 137 W. Beaver Ave., said amethyst and gold tiger's eye stones are supposed to bring luck, and quartz and black onyx provide protection.

Some people also believe certain shapes of jewelry can bring good luck.

Four-leaf clover and horseshoe shapes have been thought to serve this purpose, VanBuskirk said.

And scarab jewelry -- an image of a beetle carved in stone, inspired by ancient Egyptian jewelry -- is thought to make anyone who wears it immortal, she said.

Not all jewelry meant to bring good luck and protection is made from gemstones, though.

The Kokopeli ring, a silver ring with carvings, is meant to symbolize luck in fertility, said Ben Dirsmith, sales associate at The Apple Tree, 136 E. College Ave.

Earle Harner, owner of The Apple Tree, said his store also carries "week rings" -- silver rings with seven bands, one for each day, so the wearer can make a wish every day of the week.

Although specific pieces are meant to bring good luck, it doesn't always take a special type of jewelry to feel lucky, Dirsmith said.

"Any of these rings could mean good luck. It depends on who wears them," he said.

However, skeptics of the magical powers of jewelry might want to think twice before trying to use its mysterious properties.

"It'll only work if you believe it'll work," Minasian said.