amulets which are said to derive their extraordinary properties and powers from magic or those which impart luck are typically part of folk religion or paganism, whereas amulets or sacred objects of formalised mainstream religion as in christianity are believed to have no power of their own without being blessed by a clergyman, and they supposedly will also not provide any preternatural benefit to the bearer who does not have an appropriate disposition. talismans and charms may differ from amulets by having alleged magical powers other than protection. amulets are sometimes confused with pendants, small aesthetic objects that hang from necklaces. any given pendant may indeed be an amulet but so may any other object that purportedly protects its holder from danger.