Have you been seeing blue eyes pop up everywhere lately? A walk through a weekend market or a quick scroll online will usually turn up dozens of them. They wear them as an evil eye bracelet every day, not realizing the rich history behind the actual glass design.

This symbol has been associated with a belief for thousands of years. Historians usually point to ancient Mesopotamia as the very first point of departure. Eventually, the idea crossed the Mediterranean and south into South Asia. The basic idea is a really simple thing: a jealous look can bring bad luck.

The name of the charm changes as you move around the country. Nazar boncuğu is everywhere in Turkish markets. In Greece, families refer to the matiasma as a curse, but in India they simply call it drishti.

The old folklore has three different types of curses. Trouble begins in the accidental glance that causes trouble without intention. Then the purposeful stare driven by genuine envy. And lastly, concealed jealousy, the most dangerous of all. The charm is meant to reflect that hidden negative energy.

Deep blue remains the classic color choice, meant to evoke the wide-open sky or fresh water. Today jewelers use every color you can imagine. Some sellers will tell you that red is courage or green is good health. These are just modern marketing ideas; just pick a shade you like.

You might also see this eye sitting right inside a hand-shaped cutout. That hand is known as the hamsa, another ancient design used to bring protection. Jewelry designers tend to like to pair up both symbols together, as they have similar histories and they visually balance things out.

The style of the Evil Eye Bracelet you purchase should be determined by your own wardrobe. A delicate gold chain with a tiny glass bead works well for fans of discreet jewelry. If you want something a bit more bold, try a thick braided cord, which makes a great statement and can be easily layered with a watch.

Also think about your favorite metals. Solid warm gold provides a lovely contrast to classic dark blue enamel. If you're into silver, pale blue glass tends to pop a lot better, or crisp white. Keep all your metals consistent so that your new addition will blend perfectly with your old collection.

The small detail of fit is forgotten by people. If the chain is way too loose, the heavy glass charm will always flip around to the inside of your wrist. Find pieces with adjustable sliders so you can keep the bead right where it belongs all day long.

You don’t have to be superstitious to know that it’s a clever design. It is often bought as a fun holiday souvenir. It's also a good gift to give a friend. Offering one is just a way to wish them safety and luck every day.

It takes very little effort to look after these pieces. Take the metal off before going into a chlorinated pool and keep it away from harsh cleaning sprays. The glass center can be easily chipped when you hit a hard desk. Stowed in a soft pouch, it's perfectly safe.

Conclusion

This simple glass has endured for centuries, and still feels thoroughly contemporary. It's a fun accessory to wear, whether you really want a bit of luck or just love the bold colors. It gives you a little physical connection to a very old tradition.