Optimistic Recession Jewelry Edit
Wishbone, Horseshoe and Fortune Cookie Charms for Good Luck

One of the most prominent consumer responses to the current economic recession is to look back to the good ole days of yesteryear. Consumers are looking for nostalgic products that remind them of happier times.

With our newfound attitudes of hope, change and optimism, we want reassurance that it is possible to rescue each other and ourselves from the current mess of an economy. We want products that offer comfort and hope. Therefore, it makes sense that good luck charms are appearing everywhere.

The jewelry stands at the New York International Gift Fair were riddled with wishbone charms. Since the trade show, I’ve seen them everywhere—at Dogeared, Urban Outfitters, Fred Flare, Macy’s, and Etsy. Recently, I’ve also seen a resurgence of other traditional good luck charms, like the horseshoe, hamsa hand and clover.

Perhaps a more exciting innovation is the emergence of the good fortune charm—a gold replica of a fortune cookie, available at both Fred Flare and Emily Elizabeth Jewelry.

Since the trade show, I’ve also seen a lot of horseshoe and clover charms. While searching Etsy—the Mecca of buying handmade—I also found hamsa hand charms and lucky penny necklaces.

Does wearing a lucky amulet work? Does it offer comfort or hope? If so, then let’s all jump on the bandwagon. We’ll have the economy turned around in no time.