Arabic Jewellery
In the East precious stones, various types of colourful beads, silver and gold are not just for body decoration but have a very spiritual meaning.
Fear of the evil eye goes back to ancient Egypt, when the eye of Osiris was engraved on amulets worn to protect the wearer. The Lebanese ward off the evil eye by uttering God's name, SMALLAH.
A blue pearl also affords protection and is always hung around the necks of children.
The amulet industry is still thriving and Lebanese souks are stacked with blue Fatma hands and hearts, incrusted with little glass eyes.
