Nila and Gold Bead Necklace with Evil Eye Bead

This evil eye glass bead showcases the artistry of the seafaring ancient Phoenicians. Made of glass, it was used by the Phoenicians as an offering to ensure safe passage during their perilous voyages. Glass beads, which have served as ornamentation since glass was discovered, were also used for trading. They were transported from Sumeria and Egypt, across the desert of Afghanistan into Mauritania. But it was in Carthage that the craft of antique beads truly flourished. The Phoencians, who settled there, perfected the most complex bead-making techniques, allowing them to create beads in extraordinary shapes often with most popular evil eye motif. Throughout the Mediterranean world to this day, an evil eye bead has served as an amulet, a magical accessory that provides protection and wards off negative influences. 

This bead dates from c. 600-100 BCE. Shown here on a Nila and gold bead necklace with an 18K handmade toggle clasp.