THE HAMSA HAND PENDANT WITH RED TOPAZ GEMSTONE - 925 IN SOUTH AFRICA

    Hamsa Hand Pendant The hamsa hand is known by many names - hamsa, hamsa hand, hamesh, hamesh hand, khamsa, and chamsa. The Hamsa is an ancient Middle Eastern amulet symbolizing the Hand of God. In all faiths it is a protective sign. It brings its owner happiness, luck, health, and good fortune. The word "hamsa" or "hamesh" means five. There are five digits on the hamsa hand, but the number five has additional symbolic meaning in the Jewish and Islamic traditions. Five (hamesh in Hebrew) represents the five books of the Torah for Jews. It also symbolizes the fifth letter of the Hebrew alphabet, "Heh", which represents one of God's holy names. It symbolizes the Five Pillars of Islam for Sunnis, and the Five People of the Cloak for Shi'ites. In the Jewish religion, the Jewish hamsa hand also symbolizes the Hand of God. Many Jews believe that the five fingers of the hamsa hand remind its wearer to use their five senses to praise God. Hamsa hands often contain an eye symbol, which is a powerful talisman against the evil eye. It is most often worn as a hamsa necklace, but can be found as a decorative element in houses, on key chains, on other jewelry items, and is quickly gaining popularity as an amulet in baby carriages.         PICTURE TAKEN WITH MY CELLPHONE - ACTUAL ITEM       925 Sterling Silver EP Total Length 2.25" = 5.7cm Gem Size 8mm