Jewelry That Speaks to the Soul: Turkish Protection Amulets

When I pivoted from 14th Street Crafts with a focus on building cohesive collections, I knew I wanted to challenge myself—to make the most of every bead I bought and create designs that could shine both individually and together. From Terra & Tide to Midnight Safari, each bracelet told its own story, yet still felt at home among the others.

In December of 2024, I found myself at the foot of an exciting new opportunity: a local craft store was opening and interested in carrying my work. For me, it was a dream! A cozy, curated space where my bracelets could sit alongside the creations of other talented makers. I wanted to design pieces that would give people a reason to visit the shop in person, pieces they couldn’t find online.

My debut collection at The Majestic Wolf Craft Store was Mosaic Sands, a vibrant kaleidoscope of color, and a name that suited it perfectly. Since then, the store has featured more Bliss & Beads collections like The Crystalline Collection and Gilded Moss Series A from Flourish & Bloom; each collection reflecting a different facet of inspiration.

As 2024 gave way to 2025, I began hearing more requests from customers, especially for one particular piece: the Turkish Evil Eye Protection Amulet. I’m always listening, and I was excited to answer the call.

The “evil eye” is more than a symbol; it’s an ancient belief, shared across many cultures, that a malicious look or glare can cause harm or misfortune. The Evil Eye Amulet, also known as a nazar boncuğu in Turkey, is thought to protect the wearer by absorbing that negative energy. If the bead ever breaks, legend says it has fulfilled its purpose—shielding you from the full force of a harmful glare.

This belief stretches back thousands of years and spans many regions from Turkey and Greece to Afghanistan (call mati), India, and Pakistan (called nazar qurbani). Though the stories differ slightly, the message is shared across all renditions: Protection, Beauty, and Intention.

At Bliss & Beads, our Evil Eye Amulets are made with deep blue lamp work glass and paired with 18K gold-plated accent beads. Lamp work is an ancient glass-forming technique where molten glass is shaped by hand under a torch flame. Though the tools have evolved, the artistry remains—each piece is carefully formed to capture that luminous, handcrafted quality.

The gold accents are plated in real 18K gold, which contains 75% pure gold—a perfect balance of luxury and strength. This thin but durable layer is applied over a base metal like brass or stainless steel, making each piece beautiful, lasting, and accessible.

Every collection I create is a blend of creativity, story, and intention; but the Turkish Evil Eye Protection Amulet feels especially meaningful. It’s a wearable piece of cultural history, designed to protect and empower.

Whether you're drawn to its bold blue color, ancient symbolism, or simply love a piece that carries meaning—this amulet is a beautiful addition to any jewelry collection.

As always, my goal is to create pieces that feel personal, like they were made just for you. With each new collection, I’m grateful for the opportunity to keep growing, crafting, and connecting—one bead at a time.