Arcane Nonesuch is a two-person business from Salem, Massachusetts, run from the home of designers Rebecca Dunn and Josh DeVries. Theirs is a wonderfully eclectic catalog, with geishas, tattoo art, and tarot cards enshrined in glass and metal, with a wildcard “Found Objects” page open for unclassifiable whims. And since each piece is crafted by hand, no two are alike. Up for review this week: from their Pagan selection, their Autumnal Pentagram.
First of all, it must be said that artisan-styled pagan jewelry is always a great find. Silver pentacles will always be lovely, but there is a real hunger in the earth-religion communities for more original, creative riffs on ancient symbology. Here, the classic pentagram is nestled inside a gold maple leaf, with a cursive background suggesting a page from a handwritten grimoire. Locked inside its metal square, this contrast of order upon nature is presented in warm tones, and the effect is like a little picture frame hanging round your neck. And check out the back.
The artists caution against wearing these pieces in water and even being careful with perfume or hairspray around them, and if you need to clean them, use paper towels, never immersion. Check out their site for more pagan jewelry – especially a really cute “Crafty” necklace – and if you buy three pendants, shipping is free.













