Sterling silver pendant necklace, 'Hand of Hamsa' (Mexico)
By Maria Belen Nilson, this pendant takes the form of an amulet known as the hamsa, which means five in Arabic. It is considered a defense against the evil eye. Popular in Jewish culture, its five fingers can represent the five books of the Torah and the fifth letter of the Hebrew alphabet, which represents one of the holy names of God. It is also a reminder to praise God with all five senses. Crafted of sterling silver mined in Taxco, the pendant is worn on a silver chain. .925 Sterling silver