The Sigil Collection
Questions & Answers

A sigil is a symbol charged with intention — a mark that compresses meaning into a single form. The word comes from the Latin sigillum, meaning seal. Sigils have appeared across cultures and centuries, from the carved marks of ancient Mesopotamia to the grimoires of medieval Europe, where they were used to represent spiritual entities and focused will.

In their earliest forms, the first written symbols — hieroglyphs, runes, cuneiform — were not purely phonetic. They were charged marks, each one carrying the weight of an entire concept. What we call letters today began as sigils. The alphabet itself is a lineage of compressed meaning, each character a mark that once stood for something larger than a sound.

The Sigil Collection draws directly from this tradition. Each piece was designed as a compressed symbol — a mark made material, worn as a talisman.

Sand casting is one of the oldest metalworking techniques in existence, with evidence tracing back to ancient Egypt and China around 3000 BC. The process involves pressing a model into specially formulated casting sand to create a mold, then pouring molten metal into the cavity and allowing it to cool.

Every piece in the Sigil Collection is cast this way, by hand, in our studio in Gloucester, Massachusetts. No machine production. No outsourced casting. Each piece comes directly from this process and carries the surface of its making — a slight texture, a subtle variation that cannot be replicated by any other method.

Yes. Sand casting produces variation by nature. The same mold pulled twice will yield two pieces that share the same form but carry different surface qualities — the sand leaves its own impression each time, the metal moves through the cavity in its own way. No two casts are identical.

Each piece in the Sigil Collection is cast individually and will vary slightly in surface texture, finish, and character. This is not an imperfection. It is what handmade means.

Oxidization is a controlled darkening process applied to specific areas of a metal surface. It creates contrast and depth — drawing the eye to certain forms while leaving others bright. The oxidization in the Sigil Collection is part of the design, not simply a finish.

Over time, oxidized areas on sterling silver may lighten slightly with wear. This is natural and can be refreshed if desired.

Sterling silver is an alloy of 92.5% pure silver, the standard for fine silver jewelry. It is bright, clean, and classic. Brass is an alloy of copper and zinc with a warm, golden tone. It is one of the oldest metals used for adornment, with a quality that reads as archaeological — as if the piece was excavated rather than made.

Both metals are offered in the Sigil Collection as deliberate choices, each with its own history, its own weight, and its own beauty.

Brass develops a natural patina with wear and exposure to air. This is the nature of the metal and part of its character. Depending on your preference, you can maintain the original finish with occasional polishing using a soft cloth and a brass-safe cleaner, or allow the patina to develop naturally over time.

Avoid exposing brass to harsh chemicals, chlorine, or prolonged moisture.

For oxidized sterling silver, clean gently with a soft cloth and mild soap and water. Avoid polishing cloths or abrasive cleaners on oxidized areas as these will remove the darkened finish. Store in an airtight pouch or box when not in use to slow natural tarnishing.

For brass, clean with a soft cloth. A small amount of mild soap and warm water works well for general cleaning. Dry thoroughly after any contact with water.

Both metals benefit from being stored away from direct sunlight and humidity. Remove before swimming, bathing, or contact with perfumes and lotions.

Velara has a handmade bail added after casting, approximately 9mm, accommodating a range of chain styles. Sanctira and Solvara have integrated cast bails — Sanctira's opening is approximately 6mm x 3.9mm and Solvara's is approximately 5.2mm x 3mm. A fine to medium gauge chain works well for all three.

For pairing, we recommend fine faceted beaded necklaces in black spinel, ruby, labradorite, smoky quartz, or pyrite — each carries its own esoteric resonance and complements the sigil aesthetic beautifully. A delicate oxidized sterling or blackened brass chain also works well, keeping the focus on the pendant.

For specific chain gauge recommendations, see each individual product page.

Pendants are sold separately from chains and beaded necklaces. For pairing recommendations specific to each piece, see the individual product pages.

Every piece in the Sigil Collection is designed and made entirely in our studio in Gloucester, Massachusetts. From designing to wax carving to casting the pendant in metal, each step of the process happens in one place, all by hand.

Yes. The Sigil Collection is designed to grow. The current launch — Velara, Sanctira, and Solvara — is the first of what will be an ongoing collection. The fourth piece, Enorael, is already in development and will be added in a second drop. Additional sigil pieces may be introduced over time as the collection's language expands.

Custom requests inspired by the Sigil Collection are welcome. Each custom piece is designed collaboratively and made entirely by hand. To begin the conversation, reach out at info@templeofenora.com with "Custom" in the subject line, or submit a request directly through the Custom Piece Application on the site.