"Hamsas" and other protective jewelry

"Hamsa" or hand shaped jewelry and charms have been crafted in the Mediterranean region for centuries, including in the land now known as modern day Israel. The origins of these charms go back to the tenth century BCE, alleged to protect the one who wears the charms against evil forces and influences. The hamsa, which in Arabic refers to the number 5, is also known to Jews as the "hand of Miriam" the sister of Moses. The hamsa symbol is usually depicted in the form of an open hand with fingers pointed downwards to "deflect evil forces into the ground". Charms and fashion jewelry pieces made to represent the hamsa symbol often include a centered open eye, which is supposed to represent God's "All Seeing Eye" which is constantly open and on the look out against evil forces and Evil Eye.

Hamsa jewelry charms are usually made as charms (for bracelets) and as pendants to be worn around the neck. They are made in a variety of metals, and may also include precious or semi-precious stones, such as Granat and Turquoise Hamsa charms. Hamsa jewelry pieces are often given to loved ones as gifts, especially to young girls at puberty (as a Bat Mitzvah Gift for Jewish girls) and for women about to be married. Some of the most beautiful hamsa charms are made of gold in inlaid with precious or semi-precious stones. Hamsa jewelry given as gifts to Jews may also have the six pointed Star of David and other Jewish symbols included as part of the overall design.

In Israel, hamsa jewelry can be found in virtually all jewelry stores as well as in stores selling special accessory items, including jewelry. Designs can vary, but despite the many types of Hamsa jewelry charms, the prices paid for them can range anywhere from very modest sums to those amounting to tens of thousands of dollars. Ethnic backgrounds of potential customers can influence the amount of hamsa jewelry sold; and Jews who purchase them are more likely to be from Sephardic or oriental backgrounds. Designs for these jewelry items can range from traditional to ultra modern motifs, and often reflect the creativity of the designer. .

Costs of hamsa jewelry depend on the metal from which the charms are made, as well as other materials used, including diamonds and other precious stones.Besides jewelry and accessory shops, you can find this kind of jewelry in stores selling religious articles and Jewish gifts, and those dealing in "new age" or occult items. They are also available in scores on internet shopping "stores" as well as on Ebay. Purchasers are only limited in their tastes or their pocket book when buying this jewelry; and hamsa charms are also offered by those selling amulets and charms dealing with the Kabbalah. Many Kabbalah jewelry charms include hamsa pieces, especially "red string" bracelets, which are very popular with believers in the Kabbalah's healing and protective powers

Whatever your reason for purchasing hamsa jewelry items, you are sure to find the ones most appealing to your individual tastes.