Ankh-Egypt's "Tree of Life" that protects its wearer from sickness and loss of psychic awareness. Today it has been adopted by many as the ideal "alternative cross" as one of its other early uses was as a Christian Symbol.

Cowrie shell-there are several interpretations of this small shell used and revered all over the world. Its modern name probably came from the Indian Goddess "Kauri". It can outstare the Evil Eye, and has also been interpreted as "the female gates of life" thus becoming a powerful fertility symbol.

Crescent-represents the new moon and the protective powers of the moon goddess.

Endless knot-Our "Infinity" symbol, Nepal's "Endless Knot", China's "Knot of Eternity"and Ireland's "Celtic knot" to mention a few, these designs become more and more complex depending on the culture they originate from. All seem to contemplate eternity.

Ethiopian cross-typically made from melted-down coins or other metal objects, each cross is unique. Ethiopian metalworkers have a long-standing reputation as the finest in Africa.

Eye beads-Lucky charms to protect the wearer from the evil eye. They are still popular today all over the world as a lucky charm and protective symbol.

Eye of Horus-Known as the Egyptian "all-seeing eye", the god Horus opened his eyes and there was light, closed them and there was darkness. He was the protector from all types of evil.

Ga'u-Tibetan charm boxes are encrusted in stones and jewels and traditionally contain a short message in Sanskrit, or some other spiritual reminder.

Hand-The hand can express so many gestures, it's no wonder there are so many symbols, both offensive and defensive. Many hands symbols combine the eye symbol in the open palm area as a protective amulet.

Heart-A symbol of love and life, protector against the evil eye, a feminine symbol, the heart has been fashioned out of almost every imaginable material, but in ancient times was preferably made of cornelian, rubies, bloodstones, red jasper or garnets.

Pi disc or Annular-these flat, donut-shaped discs are usually made of stone, glass or other natural materials.

Prayer box-from Ethiopia, but similar in idea to the Tibetan "Ga'u", these are usually small silver box shaped pendants that have granulated designs.

Scarab-This beetle is the symbol of Life and Rebirth for ancient Egypt. It is the sun god that rolled the sun across the sky, derived from the dung beetle that rolled spheres of dung across the desert sands.

Spiral-symbol of the path of life and the earth's cycles.

Tuareg-made by the Tuareg people of Northern Africa, these pendants are made of sterling or coinsilver and are beautifully etched with intricate designs.