The evil eye, or nazar, deflects negative energy, brings good fortune and is a widespread ancient symbol used in many cultures, particularly around the Mediterranean, Middle East and North Africa. Belief in the evil eye dates back thousands of years, with some of the earliest evidence of amulets found in ancient Mesopotamia (modern-day Iraq) and references appearing in ancient Greek and Roman texts. The modern blue glass evil eye bead, known as a nazar boncuju, became widely popular in Turkey during the Ottoman era.

This type of amulet, often made of a glass bead with concentric circles of blue, white, and black, is thought to “stare back” at the source of the curse, reflecting the negative energy back to the sender and keeping the wearer safe. The blue colour is significant, since it’s traditionally associated with protection, peace, and eliminating negativity.