Hand of Fatima and evil eye: origin and meaning in jewelry

Two of the most popular amulets in jewelry against the evil eye, the belief that an envious glance can bring bad luck.

Hand of Fatima (hamsa) #

• What it is: an open hand, often with an eye in the palm, used as a protective amulet.
• Origin: widespread in the Middle East and North Africa. In Islam it is associated with Fatima, daughter of Muhammad; in Judaism it is known as the hand of Miriam. Hamsa means "five" in Arabic.
• Traditional meaning: protection, good fortune and blessing.
• In jewelry: pendants, bracelets, earrings and keyrings, in silver, gold or enamel.

Evil eye (nazar) #

• What it is: an eye-shaped amulet of blue glass, with concentric circles of dark blue, white, light blue and black.
• Origin: very popular in Turkey (nazar boncuğu) and across the Mediterranean and the Middle East. Belief in the evil eye is very old and appears in many cultures.
• Traditional meaning: to return the envious glance and protect the wearer.
• In jewelry: bracelets, pendants and earrings, sometimes combined with the hand of Fatima.

How they are worn #

They can be worn as a pendant, bracelet or earring, or given to a newborn or to someone starting a new stage.

A note #

These are symbols with religious and cultural roots; it is worth knowing their origin and respecting it. See amulets and talismans and symbols in traditional jewelry.