Whether you’re starting with your first Erica Molinari charm, or looking to add to your collection, read on for a few tips and tricks to keep in mind as you build your very own charm story.

Erica’s designs tell stories through symbolism and imagery, where each piece may resonate for reasons unique to its wearer. We have been collectors of Erica’s work for many years, building our own personal talismans to reflect our memories, milestones, and mantras.

Wear the words you need to hear and repeat them as a mantra to carry yourself through the day.

Here are a few tips to guide you as you build a personal talisman that inspires you, provides strength, and tells your own story.

1. Start with a strong foundation, like this heart & hamsa charm that symbolizes protection and is inscribed with, “quello che pensiamo, diventiamo” -Buddha (” what we think, we become,” in Italian). Choose a charm that speaks to you in appearance and in meaning, as it will set the tone for your necklace.

2. What inspires you? For your second charm, choose something that resonates with you on a personal level. Maybe it’s a hallmark for a special occasion, it reminds you of someone dear in your life, or is a source of inspiration. This tree of life charm, which is inscribed on the back with, “vitae et amoris vitae” (“live and love life” in Latin), is a reminder to hold your loved ones extra close. Since this charm is slightly smaller than the base charm, both are visible yet they’re not competing for the spotlight.

3. Create balance. Choose something that sparks joy and adds a nice contrast in shape and material. For example, this silver wing charm may serve as a daily reminder to honor hope, freedom, and guidance. Its silver hue adds dimension next to the warmth of the gold tree of life charm, and its unique shape and smaller size add just the right amount of balance and contrast to this collection.

4. Enjoy the process! Take your time adding to your necklace and building your story. We finished off our talisman with this red enamel lion charm that reminds us of our inner ferocity and strength, an evil eye that symbolizes protection, and this golden flower that prompts us to appreciate the simple beauty that surround us always.  Sometimes a charm will catch your eye, other times one may capture your heart. Go with what speaks to you most!

This charm collection tells a story of protection, family and loved ones, hope, strength, and beauty. What story will you tell?

Have fun mixing and matching your charms. Sometimes you might prefer to wear a charm on its own if it is really speaking to you that day or to add a charm or two to another necklace. There are so many ways to tell your story, and we love how individual and unique each necklace story can be.

Photos by Laura Barton