Magic & amulets

The most common symbols in Middle Eastern jewellery and their meanings

Learn the most common symbols in Middle Eastern jewellery. Explore the meanings of the khamsa hand, eye motifs, triangles, amulet containers, and jingling sound elements.

Mermaid imagery in Egyptian amulets: protection & meaning

The terrifying truth behind mermaid imagery: mermaid imagery on amulets combined beauty and protective belief in Egypt. How these motifs responded to fears, disease, and belief in water spirits.

What is an amulet in jewellery? Meaning and tradition

What makes jewellery an amulet? Learn about symbols, inscriptions, materials, and cultural beliefs shaping protective jewellery traditions.

Czech glass pendants with Arabic script

Pendants with Arabic text, made in Bohemia: what do these say?

Triangular amulets: symbolism and jewellery traditions in the Middle East

Discover the symbolism of triangular amulets in jewellery. From silver containers to fabric and beaded forms, learn how the triangle shape protects and signifies meaning.

Khalili eye beads: Palestinian glass beads from Hebron

Discover Khalili eye beads made in Hebron, Palestine. Learn their history, local names, role in amulets, and presence in museum collections.

Omani silver taswira amulets: fertility and protective jewellery

Discover the rare Omani silver taswira amulets: human-shaped pendants used for fertility and child protection. Learn their meaning, how they were worn, and their place in Omani jewellery traditions.

Carnelian as amulet: history, symbolism and protective power

Carnelian has been cherished from Mesopotamia to the Maghreb. This post traces its role in ancient Egypt, Islamic amulets, and Middle Eastern jewellery, showing how one stone carried protective power across cultures.

Colour symbolism in Middle Eastern jewellery

Colours in Middle Eastern jewellery are never random. This post shows how red, blue, yellow, and green carry meanings of protection, fertility, and prosperity, and how colour symbolism changed across time and place.

Quick guide: how do amulet cases open?

Slider lid or tiny hinge? This guide shows how amulet cases were built, what their hardware reveals, and why careful handling often matters more than opening them.

Khamsa in jewellery: history, symbolism, and the Hand of Fatima

The khamsa, also known as hamsa or Hand of Fatima, is one of the oldest protective symbols in jewellery. Learn its history, number five symbolism, and role in traditional and modern adornment.