This blog post was picked by my Instagram followers in early August of this year. If you want a say in my 2026 blog posts make sure to follow me @rachaelmorganjewelry. 

This blog entry took many forms especially during my research and even into the final stages of writing. Admittedly, I wrote three different versions of this blog post and each time I kept coming back to the visual examples in film. I was curious on how film can shape our view of witches and their abilities. 

There are many magical bodily adornments and most fall into three main categories: charms, amulets, and talismans, each with its own distinct purpose. 

Charms can be magical words used in phrases, chants, or incantations when casting spells. They start as verbal prayers and chants but can become inscriptions on parchment, wood, or other materials worn on the body.

Amulets protect the wearer from harm, especially the evil eye. The evil eye is the belief that certain people can cause misfortune or bad luck to others simply by looking at them with envy or malice.

Talismans provide a specific benefit or power, often tied to personal goals or competition. 

1939 The Wizard of Oz: The Ruby Slippers

The Ruby Slippers are perhaps cinema’s most famous magical adornment, functioning as an amulet, protecting her through the wonderful world of Oz and allowing her to finally return home in the end. I was able to see the Ruby Slippers in person last month at the Smithsonian American History Museum. Man, Judy Garland had small feet!

RGR Collection/ Alamy Stock Photo

1968 Rosemary’s Baby: Tannis Necklace

Rosemary receives a deceitful charm necklace from her neighbor. She thinks this necklace is a good luck charm but unbeknownst to her, it has an evil purpose. Her neighbors are a part of a satanic coven trying to ensure her demonic pregnancy succeeds. The charm necklace contains tannis root, a fictional herb associated with satanic protection and mind control. Towards the end of the film when she discovers their plot, she removes the charm necklace.

Criterion Collection, film still

1989 The Teen Witch: Talisman Necklace

Louise desperately wants to be popular and “get the guy”. Through a series of awkward scenes of high school troupes Louise ends up at Madame Serena’s physic establishment. Here, she learns of her powers. In a later scene she is gifted a talismanic necklace from her beloved teacher. This necklace functions as a conduit, a physical object linking Louise to her magical linage. She only removes it in the end because her ultimate wish has come true.

The Teen Witch, film still

2016 The Love Witch: Charms of Attraction

Arguably the most jewelry-conscious witch film ever made. Every adornment she wears furthers her magical seduction and self-styled power, weaponizing her femineity while fusing fashion, ritual, and witchcraft. In one ritual sequence, she lies within a circle of candles and wearing layered necklaces and rings. Her jewelry acts almost like ritual armor, enhancing her sensual and magical aura. This film was shot on 35mm film stock and looks like it was filmed in 1965. It’s a beautiful technicolor film with horror and R-rated themes.

The Love Witch, film still

Across film history, jewelry/ body adornment and magic go hand in hand. As a jeweler, I love seeing how these cinematic pieces echo our real-world fascination with the idea that something beautiful can also be powerful. If you have a favorite witchy jewelry moment from film, I’d love to hear it! Comment below or share it with me on Instagram @rachaelmorganjewelry.