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

> The origin and meaning of the hand of Fatima (hamsa) and the evil eye (nazar), two protective amulets widely used in pendants, bracelets and earrings.

- Source: https://www.711grados.com/en/hamsa-and-evil-eye/
- Language: en
- Note: This entry was drafted with the help of AI and is pending review by the author.
- Published: 2026-06-28
- Updated: 2026-07-07
- Translation (es): https://www.711grados.com/es/mano-de-fatima-y-ojo-turco/
- Author: Sandra Sánchez
- Site: 711 Grados (https://www.711grados.com/)

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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](https://www.711grados.com/en/amulets-and-talismans/) and [symbols in traditional jewelry](https://www.711grados.com/en/symbols-in-traditional-jewelry/).