Evil Eye Necklaces

The evil eye, known as nazar across South Asia, the Middle East and the Mediterranean, is worn to deflect envy rather than to attract luck. The symbol is thousands of years old and the wearer is the one protected, which is why it is so often given to a new mother, a new baby or someone starting something.

Yes. Every piece in this group sits under half an inch, with diamond weights between 0.08 and 0.17 carats, so the pendant lies flat against the collarbone and slips under a collar. The chains adjust, so the pendant can be worn high at the base of the neck or dropped lower into an open neckline.

Diamonds in every piece, available lab-grown or natural. Two use natural colored stones for the eye itself: one frames a turquoise center with 0.08 carats of diamonds and 0.07 carats of blue sapphire, another encloses the eye behind round glass. The rest are diamond on 14K gold, set in pave or bezel.

It is one of the easiest fine jewelry gifts to get right, because the meaning is protective rather than romantic, so it works for a friend, a sister, a colleague or a new mother. 14K yellow gold suits nearly every jewelry box. Keep the diamond weight low if the person wears little jewelry.