ModernJeweler.com |

For centuries, eyes have been considered dangerous. Piercing eyes and sharp looks might not kill but according to folk wisdom in the Mediterranean countries, India, and South and Central America, just one envious look can bring misfortune. Fortunately, the evil eye can be warded off stylishly by wearing an evil eye charm. These colorful tokens, usually in blue, are a strong tradition in Greece and Turkey. These “nazar” can be beads, eyes, or Hamsa hands with eyes in the palm. Some are literal eyes and others stylized bulls-eyes in blue. Designers can look to many traditions of eye charms to find inspiration. In Egypt, charms of the Eye of Horus provide magical protection. In Tibetan Buddhism, charms represent the eye of Buddha. In many cultures eyes represent enlightenment. With their graphic impact, eye amulets in precious materials are particularly fashionable today. Uncovering your third eye has never been easier. — Cheryl Kremkow