Evil Eye Beads and Jewelry - History, Meaning, and Lore

Humans have long believed the eye symbol to be an amulet that wards off evil spirits. History references the use of "evil eye" beads in the ancient Orient and Sumeria from 3000 B.C. This belief is still prevalent in Turkey and areas of the Middle East, where many believe that when someone sees your good fortune and is envious, some type of bad luck will befall you. In fact, it is thought that any type of praise, even well meaning, has some form of greed and jealousy attached, and can cause harm. In that part of the world people with colored eyes are believed to be especially harmful with their unusual and enchanting gazes.

To protect against the negative energy of envious looks, people of Middle Eastern societies often use an evil eye bead, or talisman, to redirect the bad spirits back onto the world and keep the bearer safe. Turkish people call the bead "Nazar Boncuk" and versions of it are seen everywhere in their culture. Whether it is displayed at the entrance to a home or office, attached to a baby's clothing, or hung from a car mirror, the intent is the same, to disperse the bad luck away from the owner.

History

Evil eye beads are a single eye image typically set in a blue background color. Usually they are made of glass but other materials include agate, common stone, and Lucite. Blue is symbolic of water and prosperity in the Middle East, where it is a precious resource. Red is also a common color, as Jewish lore associates red with luck and good fortune.

Evil Eye Beads and Jewelry - History, Meaning, and Lore

There are many different colored evil eye beads used in jewelry, and they are worn as a fashion accessory as well as a good luck charm. A brief search on the internet reveals evil eye beads sold as charm bracelets, pendants, rings, and anklets. Thanks to on-line websites one can find antique and newly manufactured beads alike, in an assortment of styles and sizes to coordinate with any wardrobe. As a result they are becoming more visible in Western cultures. Look for them to become collectible items, especially in jewelry as their popularity grows.

Evil Eye Beads and Jewelry - History, Meaning, and Lore

Wanda Fitzgerald is a Florida native and an vintage charm collector who loves to share her adventures in an e-commerce jewelry business with anyone who is interested. Visit her vintage charm bracelet blog to learn more about all types of vintage jewelry, and her vintage charms [http://www.thecharmcellar.com] web store, The Charm Cellar, to purchase vintage charms.

Jackie Kennedy's Engagement Rings and Jewelry Collection

Jackie Kennedys Engagement Ring and Jewelry Collection: There are not enough words to describe one of the most memorable lady's in United States history. We now fondly refer to her as Jackie O, and she is remembered mostly as the beautiful young bride of the United States thirty-fifth president. When one calls her image to mind, we see a beautiful woman with poise, grace, and flawless style. There were many women that tried to emulate the way that the First lady dressed and wore her hair.Jacqueline was married twice and received two magnificent engagement rings. John F. Kennedy proposed with a ring that his father actually selected. This incredible ring consisted of a 2.88 carat diamond mounted next to a 2.84 carat emerald and tapering baguettes. The ring was reset with round diamonds, totaling 0.66 carat, and marquise diamonds, totaling 1.46 carats, in 1962. The second ring is probably the most well known of Jacqueline's jewelry pieces, but also it was worn the least. Aristotle Onassis presented her with a 40 carat marquise Lesotho III diamond ring when she agreed to marry him. The diamond was one of eighteen diamonds cut from the 601 carat rough diamond, the Lesotho, which was displayed at both the Smithsonian and the Museum of Natural History in New York before being cut into eighteen different diamonds. Rumor has it that Jacqueline only wore the ring two times and then had it locked up in a New York bank vault.

Jacqueline's flawless sense of style did not just include her clothing; it also extended to her extensive jewelry collection. She preferred big, colorful necklaces and bracelets from Van Cleef & Arpel. Her jewelry collection consisted of but is by no means limited to the following:

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o A 47 carat Kunzite stone bordered by twenty round diamond. President Kennedy bought this for his beautiful wife, however, due to his untimely death he was not able to give it to her.

o A Cabochon ruby and diamond pendant with matching clip earrings that were a wedding gift from Aristotle.

o A 17.68 carat ruby ring.

o A Cabochon ruby necklace.

o A pair of dangling Cabochon ruby earrings.

o A lovely amethyst necklace that had graduated drops.

o A pair of red tourmaline briolette earrings that were suspended from amethysts.

o A 19th century cabochon garnet flower brooch.

o A fascinating small scarecrow pin in gold with gems.

o A double strand black stone necklace. Jacqueline wore this piece the day that her husband, John F. Kennedy, announced his candidacy for president.

While the above list in no way represents the vast collection that Jacqueline owned, it is representative of what she was accustomed to and represented her wonderful sense of style and beauty.

Many brides of today are modeling their wedding day appearance after the beautiful Jackie O. From her simple but elegant style of dressing, her classically beautiful hair style, to her lavishly gorgeous gems, Jackie O is the look that many woman, bride or not, desire. In today's high tech world it is easier than ever to search a vast variety of stores to find inexpensive look-a-like items, especially jewelry items that resemble hers.

Jackie Kennedy's Engagement Rings and Jewelry Collection

The author just celebrated her one year anniversary and sports a beautiful ascher cut ring. She and her husband put together the website: http://www.ultimate-engagement-ring-guide.com to help you find the perfect ring.

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