Amulets n talismans...

The tale of amulets is one ranging from waaay back in prehistoric times upto the now. Amulets are among the most common objects found by excavators at archaelogical sites, not confined to any time or place in the story of peoples. An amulet is a device, the purpose of which is to bring luck and protect, but by magical means rather than practical. A lump of meteorite worn against gunfire is an amulet, a bullet proof  vest aint. One type of amulet are those protecting against the evil eye, often made from blue glass and circular with concentric circles in the form of an eyeball....

Often used interchangably with the word talisman, there is some confusion about the boundaries between the two. But a talisman tends to be made specifically with intent for a certain person, or for the self. often used in ritual.

In my understanding, and practices, both can also be an epitomy of a certain element, deity or totem designed to amplify their energy and draw it into your environment
 

The substance and form of both deeply symbolic. Each material used has some inherant quality that empowers the whole. Most are of universal application, such as owl claws for wisdom, insight and seeing in the dark, but some are culture and locale specific such as the feathers of a particular species of owl with particular talents beyond the general. Gemstones, in general, are magical with correspondances but there may be a stone found in a small area that might have a individual relevance to folks from that area, like an ochre found by a river on traditional homelands. Infact it can be a joy to make an amulet to travel with that bears materials from home and may be valued because of its limited range like sea shells. Making a talisman for yourself can be a funky way to acknowledge what you value and carry a little of that with you wherever u may go, kind a a porta altar.....

Resources: Amulets: A World of Secret Powers, Charms and Magic by Sheila Paine
                  The Complete Book of Amulets and Talismans by Migene Gonzalez-Wippler
                  Cunninghams Encyclopedia of Crystal, Gem and Metal Magic by Scott Cunningham