The Pretty Jewelry Trend You Can Find on Every Continent

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(Image credit: @songofstyle)

There are few symbols that transcend cultures and centuries quite like the evil eye. Thought to protect the wearer from envy and hateful glares, the first-known evil-eye amulet dates back to 3300 B.C., per BBC. Over 5000 years later, BBC explains, "virtually every culture has a legend related to the evil eye." Beck Jewels designer Rebecca Zeijdel-Paz, for instance, hails from the Caribbean island of Curaçao and has proudly incorporated the symbol into her brand.

"To me, the eye is not only protective but unifying," Zeijdel-Paz tellsBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing . "I grew up on an island where cultures, religions, and languages intermix. As a major trading port since the 17th century, an influx of ideology has been coming into the island from all corners of the world for centuries. Collectively, we widely adopted the notion of both the good and evil eye. Despite heritage or religion, on our island, there is a shared connection to these protective symbols."

BBC also tapped Istanbul-based art history professor Nese Yildiran to offer his take on the idea that evil-eye accessories could be seen as cultural appropriation.

"The evil eye transcends this concern because it has been a part of a rather big geography, and open to all sorts of practices," Yildiran told BBC.

As Zeijdel-Paz tells us, the symbol has a remarkable ability to connect cultures given its presence in so many different countries, which "shows the positivity that this talisman holds," she says. Now that you're armed with a bit more knowledge of the symbol, scroll down to shop our favorite evil-eye jewelry items.

Evil-Eye Earrings

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(Image credit: @songofstyle)

Evil-Eye Rings

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Evil-Eye Necklaces

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Next up: the popular engagement ring trend that's cooling off.

Associate Director, Fashion News

Erin got her start as aBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing intern over 13 years ago—back when the site only published a single story per day. (Who What Wear has since increased that number twentyfold.) She graduated magna cum laude from USC, which is how she ended up moving to Los Angeles from her hometown of San Diego. In college, she also interned at Refinery29, where she was promoted to editorial assistant and then assistant editor. After nearly three years at R29, she came back to WWW in 2016, where she currently holds the title of Associate Director of Fashion News (as well as the unofficial title of resident royal expert—in case you haven't noticed her numerous Meghan Markle and Kate Middleton stories). She spends her days trying to incorporate her idols, Anna Wintour and Roger Federer, into as many stories as possible. Outside of work, she loves tennis, classic rock, traveling, and smothering her dog with affection.