Captivating Diamond Evil Eye Jewelry with Powerful Meaning

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Why Diamond Evil Eye Jewelry Is the Ultimate Modern Talisman

A Greek-born symbol turned global good luck charm, the evil eye is as timeless as the myths that made it.

Published July 31, 2025
Written by: Shelley Brown

evil eye jewelry: diamond pendant — (Courtesy of Ileana Makri)

Lately, I’ve been waking up a little blue—probably because I’m not in Greece. Don’t get me wrong, New York is great (great!), but the gray, frigid East River simply doesn’t compare to the aquamarine shimmer of the Ionian Sea. Just a month ago, I was island-hopping through the Ionian on my honeymoon, and each of the three hotels we stayed at gifted us a glass evil eye upon departure—now hanging around our apartment, catching the light. It was a small but significant gesture that speaks to how deeply rooted the symbol is in Greek life.

Evil eye jewelry—called mati in Greek—is as intrinsic to the culture as the gods of Mount Olympus, the Acropolis, or Assyrtiko (that tangy, mineral-rich white grape native to Santorini I’ve come to love). Said to ward off envy and offer protection, the evil eye has become one of the most beloved and recognizable motifs in talismanic jewelry. Add the inimitable brilliance of natural diamonds into the mix, and you have a piece that’s not only beautiful but rich in symbolism and history.

Below, dive into the ancient meaning behind evil eye jewelry and get inspired by natural diamond versions from some of our favorite designers.

Meet the Expert

Why Diamond Evil Eye Jewelry Is the Ultimate Modern Talisman

Ileana Makri was born in Thessaloniki, raised in Athens, and educated at the Gemological Institute of America in California.
She launched her namesake fine jewelry brand in 1998, drawing global inspiration from her travels.
She’s best known for her modern interpretations of ancient symbols like the evil eye, crafted in gold, diamonds, and enamel.

The History of Evil Eye Jewelry

Ionian sea in Greece — The Ionian Sea: all turquoise waters, golden light, and ancient magic. It’s also one of the earliest birthplaces of the evil eye.

glass evil eye pendants — Handcrafted evil eye pendants, protective talismans rooted in Greek tradition, believed to ward off negative energy and envy. (Courtesy of Etsy)

With roots tracing back more than 5,000 years, evil eye jewelry is one of the most enduring and culturally rich motifs in adornment. The first recorded mention of the evil eye appears in the 6th century BCE in ancient Greek texts, where philosophers like Plato wrote about the power of a malevolent glare to bring harm. In Greek, it’s known as the “μάτι” (mati), meaning “eye,” and it was believed that an envious look could curse a person with misfortune, illness, or bad luck.

To ward off this spiritual sabotage, people began wearing protective amulets—often made of vivid blue and white glass—to reflect or neutralize the negative energy. These talismans became everyday armor, passed down through generations and across cultures from Greece and Turkey to the Middle East and North Africa.

While the earliest versions were simple, the symbol has evolved significantly over time. Today, evil eye jewelry still carries that ancient sense of protection, but it’s also a powerful style statement—especially when reimagined in natural diamonds.

Ileana Makri, a Greek-born jewelry designer who incorporates bejeweled evil eyes into much of her work, is especially drawn to their resonance across cultures. “I am fascinated by symbols that have a wide, cross-cultural appeal, such as the ‘evil eye, ‘ a quasi-universal symbol for protection,” she says. “Symbolism is an important theme throughout my work, and I continue to explore new ways to express its power and universality.”

The Symbolism of Evil Eyes and Natural Diamonds

diamond evil eye jewelry: evil eye bracelet — Anita Ko Evil Eye Bracelet with Rose Cut Diamond, $17,025, anitako.com

It’s no coincidence that evil eye jewelry and natural diamonds pair so powerfully—they’ve both been revered for millennia as objects of protection, strength, and spiritual meaning. Just as the evil eye is worn to guard against harm, natural diamonds have long been believed to hold energetic properties of their own. In ancient cultures, diamonds were thought to bring courage, clarity, and even invincibility. Warriors wore them into battle, kings used them to symbolize divine favor, and lovers gifted them as tokens of unbreakable bonds.

Both motifs—one spiritual, one elemental—offer a sense of permanence and power. When combined, diamond evil eye jewelry becomes more than just a style choice. It’s a modern-day talisman: one that deflects negativity while channeling inner strength, light, and intention.

Modern Evil Eye Jewelry

evil eye jewelry: diamond ring — Ileana Makri Dawn Ring, price upon request, ileanamakri.com

While the origins are steeped in folklore, today’s evil eye jewelry is more fashion-forward than ever. Designers across the globe are reimagining this ancient symbol in precious materials, giving the motif a fresh sense of luxury.

Ileana Makri helped pioneer the diamond evil eye movement in the early aughts, turning what was once a humble symbol into a stylish statement. Her delicate yet edgy take—often crafted in yellow gold and micro-pavé diamonds—has become a signature, beloved by tastemakers and spiritualists alike.

“I am attached to the evil eye both for its significance as well as for the color blue, which I love,” Makri says. “It is part of my culture, and I see that with time, around the world, many people are happy wearing an amulet that they feel would protect them from the negative forces that might be directed towards them. It creates a connection with the metaphysical world.”

Sydney Evan, a brand known for fine jewelry charms, offers playful diamond evil eye charms in vibrant enamel and gold, combining Los Angeles ease with a talismanic twist.

Other designers embracing the motif include Yannis Sergakis, known for elevated Grecian-inspired creations, and ITA Jewelry, which brings a playful yet refined approach to the evil eye with hand-carved enamel and natural diamond accents. Jacquie Aiche also incorporates the symbol into her signature bohemian aesthetic, often pairing pavé diamonds with inlaid opals and layered charms.

Each interpretation adds a new layer of meaning, proving the evil eye is far from a passing trend—it’s a modern heirloom dating back thousands of years.

How to Style Diamond Evil Eye Jewelry

Styling diamond evil eye jewelry is all about balance. Because the pieces are rich in meaning, they work well as part of a personal jewelry story—layered with initials, zodiac charms, or vintage finds. A diamond evil eye necklace adds subtle sparkle to an everyday tee, while a charm bracelet with multiple talismans brings intention to any look.

For evening, mix a bold evil eye cocktail ring with sleek gold bands or contrast a diamond-studded evil eye pendant with a plunging neckline. Whether worn as a quiet form of self-protection or a bold expression of style, this symbolic jewelry transcends trends and occasions.

Shop Diamond Evil Eye Jewelry

Ready to add a bit of mysticism to your jewelry box? Below, shop our favorite diamond evil eye jewelry picks—from dainty charms to statement-making rings—each one offering a little protection, and a lot of sparkle.