Evil Eye Guide

Tradition · Evil Eye

A small blue eye you will see all over Greece and the Mediterranean, on doors, boats, babies' clothes and wrists. Here is where it comes from and how to wear it.

Turquoise Nazar Evil Eye Bracelet, Gold-Plated Silver, 10mm | Castello Jewels
Greek nameTo mati
Turkish nameNazar
Common colorsBlue, white, black
MeaningProtection

What it is

The evil eye is an old belief that an envious or admiring look can bring bad luck. To guard against it, people wear or hang an eye-shaped amulet that is said to look back and turn the glance away. In Greece it is called to mati (the eye), in Turkey nazar. The tradition is found around the Mediterranean, in the Middle East and further afield. It is a cultural belief and a lucky charm, not a medical or scientific claim.

A small eye that watches your back.

The Greek way

In Greece, the eye is often a blue glass bead, and small ones are pinned to babies' clothes and prams. Many people simply say ftou ftou and wear a mati for luck. We live and work in Rhodes, so this is part of everyday life here, and it shows in our designs.

Turquoise Nazar Bracelet, Gold-Plated Silver, 10mm | Castello JewelsTurquoise Nazar · 10mmShopEagle Eye Evil Eye Sterling Silver Bracelet, 10mm | Castello JewelsEagle's Eye · 10mmShopHowlite Nazar Bracelet, Sterling Silver, 4mm | Castello JewelsHowlite Nazar · 4mmShop

How to wear it

The classic is a bracelet, but there are other options. Many people wear the eye on the left wrist, but there is no rule. Choose by style.

  • Slim 4mm bracelet: subtle, easy to stack with other pieces.
  • Bold 10mm bracelet: a statement piece on its own.
  • Necklace: sits close and shows the eye at the center.
  • Anklet: a summer favorite, light and playful.
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Colors and stones

The eye is traditionally blue, and the stone you pair it with changes the mood.

  • Turquoise and lapis: classic blues that echo the eye.
  • Howlite: white and soft, light and summery.
  • Amethyst: a calm purple twist.
  • Jasper and tiger's eye: earthy, warm tones.

Questions people ask

What does the evil eye mean?

It is a protective charm from Mediterranean and Middle Eastern tradition, worn for good luck. It is a cultural belief.

Which wrist should I wear it on?

There is no strict rule. Many people choose the left wrist, but wear it where you like.

What is the difference between nazar and mati?

Same idea, different names. Nazar is the Turkish word, mati is the Greek word for the eye.

Is it a good gift?

Yes. It is a common gift for luck, for new babies and for a new home or journey.

Handmade in Rhodes with natural stones and 925 sterling silver.
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