Cisthene: helping you to find your talisman

In some cultures jewellery is considered to be very important. It can hold deep meanings and have a big impact on your life. At Cisthene they believe that jewellery is more than just a fashion accessory.

Cisthene is owned and operated by Jen Altman. Jen is a professional photographer and author but she also curates and runs the shop. So why is the label called Cisthene? Cisthene (pronounced kees-thee-nee) is the mythical island where Medusa is thought to dwell. She is the subject of seduction, envy and spell-binding tales. Whether her serpent tresses still call the island home, only the goddess knows. Jen read Edith Hamilton’s mythology when she was 12, and the epic tales of Olympus became her religion. She felt an affinity for both Medusa and Athena, the great goddess thought to have cursed her, and both figures have been muses and protectors throughout her life.

In their honour, Cisthene was founded in 2012. Featuring hand-crafted jewels, bath and beauty products as well as hand-tooled leather accessories. Cisthene honours the art of ancient crafts with modern sensibilities.

Jen is truly passionate about the jewellery she sells. You can clearly see that when she discusses what it means to her: “Jewellery is personal. Some, such as myself, could argue that it could be the most personal thing you place on your body. It is not simply metal and stone that we adorn ourselves with, instead it is thousands of years of craftsmanship; it is metal from the depths of our earth and minerals that have endured millions of years of trial by water and fire to become what they are today. The practice of wearing jewellery, originally for protection then for currency and finally decoration is as nearly as ancient as humanity itself. And I use the word practice purposefully, for truly wearing jewellery is a practice more so than an act. We imbue our jewels with our own energies, our desires and even our individual histories; each piece becomes a talisman charged with our personal magic.”

When you browse through the jewellery, you get a feeling of fantasy and mythology surrounding it. When you look at the pieces, you could imagine them being worn by an elf from The Lord of the Rings, the pieces are that stunning and beautiful. For example, this black snake bullet ring, the hallowed ground ring or the holy mountain cuff all look to have Celtic influences within them. This mountain necklace looks amazing and rock chicks will love it.

There are several pieces that you can pick from the website. However, it is up to you to decide which will be your talisman.

Jenny Rodgers

For more information on the Cisthene brand, visit here.