One of the most popular symbols in Judaism is the Hamsa. The Hamsa is an ancient symbol that appeared all over the ancient Middle East, is made up of an open hand and typically has a large eye in the center that is typically colored a shade of blue. The Hamsa is symbolic of good luck and is supposed to banish the evil eye and negative spiritual energy. In Judaism, it is attributed to Moses’ sister Miriam and the blue eye is meant to represent the well that followed the Jews during their journey in the desert in her merit. The Hamsa appears in numerous pieces of Jewish jewelry, such as pendants that appear on bracelets and necklaces as well as on rings and earrings.
Hamsa necklace pendants come in both modern and traditional deigns and can be decorated with filigree designs, floral patterns or engraved with verses from the Torah or even engraved with names. In addition, they may also be set with diamonds or other gemstones as well as crystal and attached to a depiction of Jerusalem. Hamsa pendants are also usually made from precious metals such as 925 Sterling Silver and high quality gold such as 14 or 18 karat gold.
Hamsa earrings are frequently decorated with diamonds or crystals in the eye and finger and edged with sterling silver or gold. These pieces of jewish jewelry also feature filigree pattens and scrollwork and can appear in all types of earrings, from studs to hook earrings.
If you are looking for a unique piece of Jewish jewelry, consider an Hamsa ring. Hamsa rings are made of sterling silver or gold and a Hamsa sitting atop the band. Like Hamsa pendants, these rings can also be engraved with verses from the Torah and names as well as word of blessing, such as the Hebrew word “Mazal” which means “luck” in English, or “Hatzlacha” which is Hebrew for “Success”.
In addition to pieces that are shaped like Hamsas, the Hamsa can be engraved into other pieces of Jewish jewelry, such as in sterling silver and 14 karat gold dog-tag pendants. The Hamsa may also be included in a jewelry piece such as a gold brooch pin that may also be decorated with other Judaica scenes and motifs such as scenes of the Old City of Jerusalem. The Hamsas in these pieces may also be engraved the center with names, Stars of David or Hebrew words such as “Chai”, Hebrew for “life”.
It is also a symbol that can be found in Menorahs, Dreidels and many other items of Judaica that are used in the holidays such as the famous Hanukkah.
