Evil Eye & Hamsa Necklaces

The hamsa is an open hand, and the eye usually sits in the palm of it. This collection pairs both symbols across pendants and charms — plain, pavé, and with a name engraved alongside. 18K gold vermeil at 3 microns over solid sterling silver, or gold plated. Gold, silver and rose gold, 14 to 20 inches, from $46.

Hamsa & Evil Eye Questions

What does the hamsa mean?

An open right hand, used as a sign of protection across North Africa and the Middle East for well over a thousand years. It's called the Hand of Fatima in Islam, the Hand of Miriam in Judaism, and it predates both — which is why the same shape appears in Jewish, Muslim and Christian households without contradiction.

Should the hamsa point up or down?

Both are correct and they mean different things. Fingers up is protection — it wards off harm. Fingers down invites abundance and good fortune in. Neither is a mistake, so wear it whichever way suits what you want from it.

Why is there an eye in the hand?

Because the two symbols do the same job and are commonly combined. The hamsa blocks; the eye watches. Together they're the most complete version of the ward, which is why the eye-in-palm design is the one most people picture.

Is the hamsa Jewish or Muslim?

Both, and neither exclusively. It's older than either religion and was adopted independently by each — Hand of Miriam in Jewish use, Hand of Fatima in Muslim use. It also appears in Christian and secular contexts. Nobody has sole claim to it.

Can anyone wear a hamsa?

Yes, and it's worn very widely outside the cultures it comes from. If you want to wear it respectfully, knowing what it means is most of the job — it's a protective symbol with real religious significance to a lot of people, not just a shape.

What length works best?

16 or 18 inches. Hamsa pendants are taller than they are wide, so they need the drop to hang properly — at 14 the hand sits awkwardly in the hollow of the throat. 18 is the safe default.

See also evil eye necklaces, evil eye jewelry and religious necklaces.