INDALO for PROSPERITY, wealth, success and luck

Friends, loved-ones, relatives in debt? Short of money? Struggling financially? We have gifts that could perhaps help people cope with financial difficulties

See our Shop for Indalo Próspero jewellery online

Indalo necklace jewellery for prosperity — Jewellery for prosperity and success

It is always difficult when financial problems arise but, with one of our Indalo Próspero good luck gifts, you are able to pass on your wishes of prosperity, wealth and success in a kindly fashion to someone who is a bit short of money and/or struggling financially.

Indalo for luck and prosperity — Indalo protection symbol is seen everywhere in Almería

Indalo prosperity and financial good fortune pendants — Indalo protection symbol is seen everywhere in Almería

Indalo as a symbol of financial prosperity

For many years, people in southern Spain have worn Indalo jewellery (or attached the Indalo Man symbol to their house) to help protect them from adversity – whether it be from actual physical harm caused by an accident, earthquake, flood, etc, or through illness, injury or bad health . . but also to protect them against financial hardship and other difficulties or business woes.

How can the Indalo offer protection against financial hardship?

Around the world, the Indalo figure has existed in rudimentary form for many years although nowadays, it is more commonly associated with southern Spain (and in particular in Almería, Andalucía). Here, it is a renowned lucky charm symbol said to offer protection, good fortune . . and prosperity. In these parts, the Indalo symbol is considered very lucky and there is a belief that an Indalo charm can lead to a rise in wealth and even income for the owner.

Indalo classic ceramics — Indalo protection talisman said to promise prosperity

Indalo prosperity bracelet — Indalo protection talisman said to promise prosperity

Indalo Man as a protection talisman symbol

Everything stems from the protective nature of the Indalo – established over many years: Around 4,000 years ago, Neolithic man decorated the walls of a cave in southern Spain with drawings of goats, deer and birds, as well as basic sketches of men/women in various poses, alongside other shapes. Some of of these ‘shapes’ were in the form of the Indalo (a man with arms outstretched holding a rainbow).

Protection symbol cufflinks — Indalo Man jewellery – Joyas del Indalo

Protection talisman Indalo — Indalo Man jewellery – Joyas del Indalo

Subsequently, over the years, this symbol was daubed on the walls of many properties in the Levante region as some sort of lucky symbol and indeed, as time passed, it was thought to have been instrumental in protecting the local population from various misfortunes that befell other nearby areas – such as harm from the succeeding floods and earthquakes. When the local populace looked at how they had fared against their neighbours, it appeared as if they were somehow “protected” by this symbol from the cave (‘cueva’ in Spanish).

Indalo Próspero wealth and abundance necklaces — Indalo Man necklace reflects the local protection symbol

Indalo for financial good fortune — Indalo Man necklace reflects the local protection symbol

The “Cueva de los Letreros” is now a UNESCO World Heritage site and the Indalo has become famous throughout the province of Almería (and beyond) where to this day, it is strongly believed that this “Indalo Man” can offer protection and bring good fortune wherever it is situated. Travelling around, you will see it everywhere. It is an integral part of the way of life of this region of Spain: Even today, in the small village pueblos that lie hidden behind the giant sierras that roll down to the Mediterranean Sea, the Indalo is known for its good luck properties and as a symbol of prosperity and good fortune.

Happy girl given Indalo Man necklace — Wish someone prosperity and good fortune

Indalo Man earrings — Wish someone prosperity and good fortune

Our Indalo Prospero jewellery, representing wealth, abundance and success, is a reflection of this belief and is intended to encourage people who would like to increase their good fortune.

Indalo necklace for wealth and success — Perhaps the little Indalo will bring riches and success

Lucky Indalo for prosperity — Perhaps the little Indalo will bring riches and success

As a gift, a piece of Indalo Próspero jewellery makes a present with real meaning to those suffering financial hardship or when times are hard. Consequently, you are able to wish someone prosperity, wealth and success by sending them a good luck gift based on the Indalo Próspero talisman.

But why not just gift someone money?

Should you give money as a gift? Should you pay off a debt of someone dear – a close friend, relative or loved-one?

If someone is going through a hard time financially, there is nothing wrong with sending them money to ease the financial burden. But, if you’ve ever wondered what gift to give someone who is struggling financially, that is NOT pecuniary, the Indalo Próspero could be ideal: Representing the promise of wealth and abundance to many people (particularly in southern Spain), it could make an ideal gift to someone who is hard up and needs a break . . someone in debt who needs money to get them out of their current financial difficulties.

Indalo Próspero wealth and abundance necklace — Indalo wealth and abundance necklace

See our shop for INDALO JEWELLERY to buy online

2020-04-172020-04-23

When will CAMINO de SANTIAGO OPEN again?

The Camino de Santiago closed in March 2020 because of CoronaVirus, but the hopes and aspirations of the pilgrims and other travellers remain alive. So when will El Camino re-open?

For those walkers, pilgrims and other travellers hoping to travel this famous route some time soon, the general message coming out of Spain at the moment is: “Pilgrim – now is not the time . . The Camino can wait.”

When will LOCKDOWN end along El Camino in Spain?

Here at The Good Luck Gift Shop we are keeping a careful eye on what is happening in the news coming out of Santiago de Compostela. For example, at the time of writing this article, both the Cathedral and the Pilgrim Office remain closed.

The Spanish Federation of Associations of Friends of the Way of Santiago is asking that everyone interested in walking the Camino should take “Individual Responsibility” and continue to follow the recommendations of the health authorities and “Stay at Home” with respect to COVID-19 CoronaVirus. They have produced a little video of many people connected with the Camino repeating the mantra: “Me quedo en casa – I am staying at home”. Indeed, the message throughout Spain is “Quédate a casa” (stay at home!) Now is not the time to walk El Camino de Santiago (anyway it is “closed” and you would receive a fine if you attempted it (that is, assuming you could even get into the area which is, like the rest of the Spanish peninsular, in “lockdown”. All the hostels, hotels, albergues and other “shelters” have been closed on all roads to Santiago.

COVID-19 Coronavirus is closing churches too

So, “dear Pilgrim,” as the Authorities in Galicia say, “please calm your longing for the Camino until everything returns to normal” It is better to travel safe than sorry.

BUT, people ask: When will that be?

When will El Camino re-open? When will flights resume to Spain?

If you want a realistic answer to this question, it looks like September at the earliest. “El Camino puede esperar” they say – but can you?

Well, for one thing, there is a lot to be said for walking El Camino in the Autumn or September:

– It is less crowded

– There are milder temperatures than in the popular months of July and August – although good weather is no longer assured

– There is more accommodation available

So, as they say in Spain: “Ultreya!” (the response is Suseia!) (Onward! > Go further!)

In the meantime, “en solidaridad con los caminantes” we have produced a good luck necklace with the Yellow Arrow marker symbol of Camino de Santiago . . which could be given as a little gift of support for a disappointed friend who had to cancel their trip on El Camino this year (or postpone). We sell it at cost price (only the postage needs be paid):

Good luck necklace Camino yellow arrow symbol — To help keep the dream alive 🙂

More information about the feasibility of the Camino de Santiago route will be posted here as it becomes available.

Ultreya! Et Suseia! Buen Camino! El Camino WILL open again

2019-09-202019-09-26

Why GIFT a good LUCK symbol IN GOLD?

Compelling reasons to give one of our SYMBOLIC gold gifts to wish good luck

Gold is said to be perfection and eternity. It is extravagant and it has worth. Gold is also light, life, radiance and health. Gold is power. Gold signifies achievement and triumph: It is the colour of a winner. It has prestige.

Gold jewelry gift for husband St James cross

Gold gifts

So, why NOT gift a present made out of gold? Especially gold jewellery that has symbolic significance. Hint: Usually, it is because of the price! But not all gold is expensive. For example, please take a look at some of our gold jewellery pieces from Spain that could be suitable as a gift to wish good fortune to a friend or loved-one . . we have the more expensive 18k gold – but also the less expensive gold-FILLED pieces.

Gold jewellery: Necklaces, earrings and bracelets

You can see them here in the GOLD JEWELLERY section of our online store:

Gold necklace gift scallop shell necklace

What is Gold-Filled? Is Gold-Filled the same as Gold-Plated / Vermeil?

No, it is much better: Gold-Filled is a layer of solid gold, pressure-bonded into another metal (in our case 925 sterling silver). Whereas Gold-Plating is a very thin layer of gold that is ‘plated’ onto the surface of a variety of other metals. (Vermeil just means that the plated item is made of silver: Nothing more; it is still just Gold-Plated.) So, Gold-Filled has a much higher value than simple Gold-Plating or Vermeil because it contains a much greater quantity of gold; and is of higher quality because of the way that gold is included: Once termed “Rolled-Gold” it has a long history – although the modern process wasn’t patented until Victorian times in England. It is much more precious and tarnish-resistant than Gold-Plated / Vermeil: It does not rub off or flake or change colour. BUT, it is not pure gold, and so is less-costly than say 18 carat gold.

Historically, gold was said to be “divine” – and it has been indicative or symbolic of the journey of the soul into spirituality and deep understanding. It has been called the gift of the Magi and ancient cultures believed that it worked magic on the recipient: It could do whatever you asked of it. So, in that sense alone, a gift of gold is a present with true meaning or significance. Gold jewellery is (and always will be) something really special.

SEE our SHOP for GOLD JEWELLERY and other symbolic jewellery pieces to pass on your best wishes to a friend or loved-one

8 compelling reasons to give one of our SYMBOLIC gold gifts to wish a friend or loved-one good fortune:

– Everyone knows that gold is very special (although our online shop also stocks beautiful silver pieces too!)

– Some of the gold jewellery necklaces, pendants, earrings and bracelets are limited and rare pieces that can no longer be sourced

– They all have real significance

– Many are intricately-crafted by hand in the workshops of Galicia, Asturias, Córdoba, and Almería in Spain

– Many feature Spain’s renowned symbol of good luck and protection, the Indalo

– Others focus on the symbols of El Camino de Santiago

– They are all timeless treasures

– Any single one would add a sophisticated and radiant shine to any outfit

SEE our SHOP for GOLD JEWELLERY and other symbolic jewellery pieces to pass on your best wishes to a friend or loved-one

Yes, gold is sophistication; it is elegance and status.

Gold gifts for her – and him

It is said that gold represents the masculine energy that comes from the sun (as opposed to the feminine energy and sensitivity of the silver moon). Gold lights up and enhances everything around it – it attracts attention. Yes . . gold jewellery as a gift, is still something really special . . a gift of gold is not something ‘cheap’. If you can, just for the moment, forget the cost and think more about the value.

Gold gift for 50th wedding anniversary Damascene heart

Wedding anniversary Indalo heart pendant

Gold gift anniversay present shell and pearl

Gold gifts for 50th wedding anniversary

Golden jewellery is for love and commitment too: It is the symbol of the 50th wedding anniversary.

But overall, gold jewellery is (and always will be) something really special. It makes jewellery with meaning and a present from the heart for the one you love.

Gold jewellery is, and always will be, something special. Our gold jewellery from Spain could be suitable as a unique gift to pass on best wishes to a friend or loved-one

2019-07-162022-05-17

LUCKY GIFTS

Did you know that over a third of people believe in luck (according to a YouGov survey) and a similar number consider that “touching wood” or “knocking on wood” will avoid bad luck?

Amongst sportsmen and women, this figure is much higher – especially on the big day of an event, competition, match or test / exam.

See Lucky Gifts for a special event or occasion in our ♥ Good Luck Gift Shop store online

If YOU are looking for a lucky gift . . you are not alone! At any one time, up to 30% of shoppers are looking to buy a gift (£1bn+ in sales, in the UK alone) and of those, 10% are shopping to buy a “good luck gift” – that’s a lot of good luck sentiment looking to buy something to pass on wishes of good fortune to a friend or loved-one in their latest venture, event or occasion.

Many politicians, actors and sports people in particular like to carry a lucky charm, talisman or amulet, or keep one in their car, house or office. But they are not the only people who believe in good luck symbols and charms: Millions of us like to put our trust in little good luck talismans to attract good fortune (or amulets to ward off bad luck). It’s probably all down to superstition: For example, so many people avoid the number 13 in the Western hemisphere, that it is often absent from the floor of a hotel or the seat number on a plane.

The truth is, that behind many of our beliefs, there is a long history of superstition to which many people feel compelled to adhere. For example, the tradition of touching wood for good luck, dates back thousands of years when trees and Mother Nature were perceived as having a special connection. Even these days, there are few people who will openly tempt fate. This is because they sub-consciously believe that Fate is lurking out there somewhere, and they don’t want to attract her wrath.

Carmina_Burana_wheel_of_fortune — The wheel of fortune – an ancient belief

In Greek and Roman Mythology, Fate was in fact THREE goddesses who presided over the birth, and life of humans. Each person’s destiny was depicted as a thread – spun, measured, and finally cut by the three Fates: Clotho, Lachesis, and Atropos. On the other hand, Lady Luck is said to be the personification of GOOD luck, a version of Fortuna (or the Greek goddess Tyche) who was the goddess of fortune and the embodiment of luck in Roman culture. Fortuna is often depicted holding a ship’s rudder, a Rota Fortunae (wheel of fortune, first mentioned by Cicero) and a Cornucopia (horn of plenty). However, even Fortuna represented life’s capriciousness and could bring good luck and bad in equal measure because she was also a goddess of fate.

Lucky gift Pig ceramic — Even the Pig is considered lucky in some cultures

So, over the centuries, the concept of luck has been important and even today millions of people genuinely believe that some sort of good luck charm will bring them good fortune and prosperity, and that it will keep misfortune at bay. In fact, it has been proved in scientific experiments that it is this BELIEF that makes them have good luck or bad.

The British Museum has a complete collection of lucky charms and talismans dating back centuries. Some of the most powerful people in the world have believed in good luck charms: President Roosevelt carried one in his jacket; Napoleon carried a lucky coin; and during his election campaign, Barack Obama carried an array of good luck charms in his pocket. Michael Jordan, the famous Chicago Bulls basketball star, spent his entire NBA career wearing his old University of North Carolina shorts under his team shorts – for good luck.

Lucky Indalo travel charm bracelet — Indalo mojo bracelet

Lucky gifts

So, yes, people like to have so-called ‘Lucky Charms’, and giving one to a friend or loved-one can be a smart idea because, overall, most people are mindful of Lady Luck and are often looking for ways to appease her. To make sure that your Lucky Gift goes down well, it would be wise to listen to the words of Tennessee Williams: “There’s real power in a thought made positive or concrete by a lucky charm”. Yes, lucky charm gifts really can help people’s dreams come true, and a gift for good luck that has real meaning will almost always be a success.

We have a great many good luck charms / symbols and LUCKY GIFTS in ♥ The Good Luck Gift Shop store . .

Our good luck gifts are based on ancient faiths, talismans, and symbols . . the sort that have helped people for many years. People have put their faith in these beliefs for centuries: And our gifts help people to have this belief. They have real provenance and derivation.

The simple lucky clover:

It is believed that the meaning of clovers pre-dates Christianity, going back to a time when clovers were used as Celtic charms. The Celts once extended across Ireland and into much of Western Europe and the Celtic priests, the Druids, considered them a sign of good luck, allegedly protecting against evil spirits and warding off evil / bad luck.

According to legend, the four leaves of a Lucky Clover represent hope, faith, love, and luck because, in Irish Christian tradition, the Shamrock (or 3-leaf clover) represented the Holy Trinity: one leaf for the Father, one for the Son and one for the Holy Spirit. When a Shamrock has a fourth leaf, it represents God’s Grace, and so encapsulates everything that a person could want.

The ubiquitous lucky horseshoe:

The Horseshoe is probably the most commonly recognised good luck symbol in the Western World. The combination of luck, protection, religion, and magic that is captivated by the Horseshoe symbol means that many people believe it will bring them good fortune – and help to ward off evil.

Man has long believed that the crescent-shape was a powerful protective talisman: For the Greeks, it symbolised the moon with links to Artemis and Diana. In olde England, St Dunstan nailed a horseshoe to a horse when working as a blacksmith. But the horse was actually the Devil in disguise and it caused the Devil great pain. St Dunstan only agreed to remove the shoe after the Devil promised never to enter a house with a horseshoe. And so, the symbol of protection arose.

Lucky gemstones:

For years, people have thought that certain gemstones have magical powers. e.g. Jade is supposed to promote longevity; Rose Quartz to attract love, and Carnelian is believed to bring courage.

Back to Cleopatra and beyond, gemstone jewellery has been worn for their supposed magical powers . . to help protect people, bring them prosperity and good luck, as well as good health, longevity . . even love, and to help them to succeed. It has been scientifically proved that this belief brings people better fortune in their lives.

Religious symbols for good fortune

Many people believe that religious symbols can bring them good fortune. For example, on the famous Camino de Santiago across northern Spain it is common to see people carrying the Scallop Shell symbol – la concha de vieira . . an expression and reflection of their faith perhaps, but also for some, it has been give them as a lucky gift to wish “buen viaje” or “buen camino” or “good journey”.

Travellers cross promoting faith and good fortune

Many also carry with them the cross of St James, the Travellers Cross – believed to promote faith and good fortune.

Not all lucky gifts are the same. But one thing is certain: The gifts for good luck in our shop are designed to be just that: Gifts to pass on good fortune – items for the home or office that are genuinely believed to be lucky – possessing provenance and real, genuine character that really DOES mean something, and usually featuring symbols that people have put their faith in for many years.

Make sure that your lucky gift has real provenance / derivation. If it doesn’t, it’ll just be another meaningless gift to fill up the mantlepiece shelf.

Now that you know it’s best if a lucky gift has real meaning, you’re ready to find that ideal and magical gift for good luck that features in our shop

2018-07-222019-11-29

Wishing friends and loved-ones Good Luck

Good Luck wishes

Hi. You probably don’t need us to tell you that there are many occasions for which we want to wish someone “Good Luck”. For example, when someone we know is:

♥ Going travelling on a trip or an arduous journey or

♥ Moving house into a new home (and perhaps we would like to give them a small housewarming present too).

Or it could be for a grand celebration, or for an event that could be a bit stressful, like a wedding or marriage ceremony, for example, or an inaugural event like a first day, a special day or some other notable occasion like starting university or a new school, or for retirement, or a leaving do, where you would perhaps like to give a going away present.

As a society we also often wish Good Luck to friends or loved-ones who are:

* Applying for a new job or a promotion

* Taking a driving test or exam

* Going for a new job or other interview

* Entering into a competition, or taking part in an important game or match

. . and so on.

We all do this all the time. It could be simply when someone we know is:

* Starting a new business or a new venture, or something else new, and we want to wish them well in their future endeavours, their new start or their new beginnings.

But it could be for something more serious, like a friend or loved-one who is about to enter hospital for surgery or an operation and we want to wish them Good Luck with that.

Yes, whatever the event (and there are many) we like to wish our friends and/or relatives Good Luck, wellBeing, safekeeping and success achieving their goals. We do it all the time.

So a little Good Luck gift is very appropriate . . a present that really does mean something.

And that is what we do, in our Good Luck Gift Shop !

Lucky charm angel necklace — Jewellery to wish luck and safety on a trip

Over the years (more than 10 now) during which we have run our Good Luck Gift shop in its various forms, symbolic jewellery has been very popular in this respect. We established our gift shop in Spain (we now have a base in the UK too) and so a lot of our gifts are Spanish or have a Spanish / Mediterranean influence and symbolism. For example: Camino de Santiago jewellery, which is hugely popular, or gifts featuring the lucky Indalo Man of Andalucía, and other jewellery featuring Christian symbols like crosses, for example (St James, Cruz de Caravaca, and the St Francis or Tau Cross).

So, if you enjoy what they call in England “continental Europe” and its lifestyle (and especially that of Spain . . from the Mediterranean coasts of Andalucía to deep inside the rural heartlands of Castilla La Mancha, Aragon, la Rioja and of course Asturias and Galicia (the home of El Camino de Santiago, the Way of St James), then we have a gift for you! The blazing vibrancy of Andalucía is typified by it’s colourful ceramics. And of course we have the little Indalo Man good luck symbol: Even today, in the small village pueblos that lie hidden behind the giant sierras that roll down to the Mediterranean Sea, the Indalo is known for its good luck qualities.

Our online shop is full of spiritual jewellery too . . gifts of faith, and other meaningful presents that make ideal gifts to wish someone Good Luck or bid them well if they are attempting something difficult or new, or if they are going-away travelling on a trip (and to wish them safekeeping on their journey), and success in their future ventures.

So if you are looking for gifts with real meaning – and gifts with soul . . that can pass on your sentiments for Good Luck, we have just the gift for you! We are, after all, The Good Luck Gift Shop! and we would be very happy to welcome you in our store ¡Bienvenido!