Evil Eye Jewelry Meaning: The History and Symbolism of the Nazar

Few symbols have traveled as far, or lasted as long, as the evil eye. You'll see it on doorways in Greece, in markets across Turkey and the Middle East, and on necklaces all over the world. So what does it actually mean?

What is the evil eye?

The "evil eye" is the belief that a jealous or envious look can bring someone bad luck. The symbol most people call the evil eye, often known as a nazar, is actually the protection against it: an eye that looks back, deflecting harm away from the wearer.

Where does it come from?

Belief in the evil eye stretches back thousands of years and appears across Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, South Asian and Latin American cultures. The familiar blue-and-white eye bead is especially associated with Turkey and Greece, where it's still given to newborns, hung in homes and worn as everyday protection.

Why is the evil eye blue?

Deep blue is the classic color, traditionally linked with protection and calm. You'll also find evil eyes in other colors, each with its own folk meaning, but cobalt blue remains the most recognizable.

How to wear it

• As a charm necklace: worn close to the heart, it's the most traditional way to carry protection with you.
• As earrings: an evil eye on each ear makes a subtle, everyday talisman.
• As a gift: many people believe an evil eye is most powerful when it's given to you, which makes it a meaningful gift for a new mom, a friend starting something new, or anyone who could use a little luck.

The evil eye in the Saltwater Spell collection

In the Saltwater Spell Charm Necklace, a cobalt enamel evil eye with a CZ center sits alongside a coiled serpent, a CZ-studded fish and a freshwater pearl: protection, allure and a little sea magic. The matching Saltwater Spell earrings carry the same evil eye on each hoop. Every piece is 18k gold-filled and hand-assembled in Miami.