You've probably seen the little blue eye on bracelets, doorways, keychains and the walls of shops. Ask five people what it means and you'll get five slightly different answers, all of them with a story attached.
The short version is below, along with how to wear one.
What the evil eye is
The evil eye is an old belief that an envious or ill-wishing look can bring bad luck to the person on the receiving end. People in many cultures, especially around the Mediterranean and the Middle East, have worn or hung an eye-shaped charm for a very long time to turn that look away.
Some historians trace eye amulets back thousands of years to Mesopotamia and ancient Egypt. Glass eye beads with the familiar rings of dark blue, white and a lighter blue were being made in the Phoenician and Carthaginian world from around the sixth century BCE. The glass beads sold today in Turkey, called nazar boncuğu, come from a long tradition of glassmaking near Izmir.
Nobody can tell you the one true origin. Different families and regions have their own version, and we'd rather say that than pretend otherwise.
Why it's usually blue
Blue has been seen as a protective colour in many parts of the Mediterranean and Middle East for a very long time. One explanation people give is that blue eyes were rare there, which made the colour feel powerful. You'll also see green, white, red and yellow eye charms today, and each family of colour comes with its own idea.
What an evil eye bracelet means to the person wearing it
Most people who wear one say it's a charm for good luck and protection. Some got theirs as a gift from a grandmother. Some just like the look. All of those are fine reasons.
We don't promise that a charm will protect you from anything. We make it because it's a meaningful, old symbol, and because wearing something with a story is a nice way to start the day.
Which wrist
Either. Many people wear it on the left, the side often called the receiving side in crystal traditions, but you won't be doing it wrong if you pick the right. Read more in our guide to which wrist to wear a gemstone bracelet on.
Our charm bracelets
The Green Jade & Evil Eye Charm Bracelet is polished green jade with gold-tone stainless steel spacers and a small evil eye charm. Jade is traditionally worn for luck and harmony, so this one carries two good-luck symbols at once. It's elegant enough to wear every day.
The Blue Lucky Malachite & Agate Bracelet uses round blue lucky malachite beads spaced with agate, with a small heart charm and an extender chain.
The White Opal & Citrine Cluster Bracelet with Lucky Charm has four colourful clusters of agate, citrine, freshwater pearls and Swarovski crystal, and finishes with a lucky clover charm. It's nickel-free silver that won't tarnish.
Green Jade & Evil Eye Charm Bracelet$85 CAD
Blue Lucky Malachite & Agate Bracelet$70 CAD
White Opal & Citrine Cluster Bracelet with Lucky Charm$85 CAD
Giving one as a gift
An evil eye bracelet is a thoughtful gift for a new baby's mother, someone starting a new job, or a friend who is moving. Put a short note in with it saying you were thinking of them. If the person comes from a culture where the symbol matters, ask the family about it first. They may have a favourite colour or a specific custom.
Caring for a charm bracelet
Keep it dry and put it on after perfume and hairspray. Check the clasp now and then, and send it to us if a bead feels loose. See our care guide.
Find the one that feels right
Every bracelet is one of a kind. See all of them on our jewellery page.
Gemstone jewellery by Ellie
Every piece is one of a kind, strung and wired by hand in Markham, Ontario.
Explore the jewellery →Sources used for the history: Wikipedia, "Nazar (amulet)"; University of Kansas CREES, Turkish nazar page; The Bead Chest, evil eye beads.