The Personal Power of Amulets

What is an Amulet?

An amulet is a powerful object, worn to provide protection, capture a blessing, or reflect beliefs. From the Egyptian scarab to the Italian cornicello, these objects have long been thought to ward off danger and invite luck and good fortune. David Yurman imagines these timeworn symbols of protection as modern expressions of personal style.

From well-known motifs such as the evil eye, crosses, and zodiac signs to the sleek, minimalist pieces of the Streamline® collection, David Yurman’s amulets merge ancient symbolism with modern craftsmanship. Layered together, they form a constellation of memories, beliefs, and intentions that reflect your evolving story.

New Petite Amulets capture the spirit of New York City—a place of dreams and possibilities. Miniature charms, shaped as iconic city motifs from apples to taxi cabs, are designed to be collected, layered, and worn as a celebration of the city’s energy and creativity.

What is a Charm?

A charm is a small, often decorative object worn to symbolize a memory, belief, or spiritual connection. Unlike an amulet, which is typically a standalone piece, charms for bracelets and necklaces are designed to be collected over time, allowing you to mix and match pieces that reflect your personal journey. The difference between a pendant and a charm comes down to scale and how they're worn—while both capture personal meaning, charms are typically smaller and meant to be layered, creating a multilayered story of moments and memories.

David Yurman’s collection of women’s charms offer endless opportunities for self-expression, from hearts adorned with pavé-set diamonds, a timeless emblem of love, to the simplicity of a North Star symbol that represents purpose, guidance, and an expansive, radiant energy. 18K yellow gold charms are one of the many precious materials in the stunning selection—in addition to rose gold, sterling silver, or our signature mixed metals—paired with vibrant gemstones such as turquoise, malachite, and black onyx. When layered on a handcrafted David Yurman bracelet or necklace, the interplay between these charms becomes magnified—a marriage of sculptural precision and personal symbolism that becomes a signature of identity.

David Yurman’s charms are distinguished by their artistry: bold yet refined, meticulously finished, and full of intention. Each charm reflects the designer’s belief that jewelry should not only beautify but also empower and inspire.

What is a Talisman?

A talisman is an object believed to hold spiritual power—a small but potent vessel for magic and affirmations. Unlike an amulet, which is thought to ward off negative forces, a talisman is thought to actively channel positive energy.

Historically, talismans have been used across cultures as sources of strength and protection, each believed to carry a blessing or power uniquely suited to the wearer, from the inscribed stones of ancient Mesopotamia to the magical seals of medieval alchemists.

David Yurman’s collection of talismans—from religious symbols and initial charms to zodiac charms and personalized pendants—are meticulously crafted with diamonds, hand-selected gemstones, and precious metals to elevate these expressive pieces even further. While talismans have been historically viewed as sacred objects, David Yurman’s designs maintain this rich symbolism while modernizing them for everyday wear through exceptional details and intricate carvings.

Whether you layer your talismans or let one stand out on its own, our collectible styles are deeply personal and exquisitely crafted. The result is a collection that feels powerful and personal, made to last for generations.