The Chamsah or protecting hand is a very ancient symbol in many Middle Eastern cultures and well loved in Judaism. The hand is often represented with a seeing eye on the palm. This protecting hand with seeing eye or Chamsah is often worn to provide protection.
My customer wanted a special gift for his fiance. I worked with him to understand his needs and personal interests. The protecting hand came forward as something important to be with her when he can't. He wanted the seeing eye, but he wanted it more subtle, just the pupil, and, because his fiance loved pink, he wanted a pink ruby in the pupil. He also wanted to make his protecting hand demonstrably a Jewish Chamsah so he asked for a star of David to be carved into it. This was especially appropriate because the star of David represents the shield of king David and is also a protecting symbol. He wanted the star to stand out, so I he asked if I could inlay it with gold. Here is the result. Most important, the fiance loved it and every time I see her, she is wearing it. It has become a favourite talisman and item of jewelry. The young couple have since got married and have been through many challenges and she feels that this talisman has protected her through all of it.
To start with, I rough out the stone. I normally do several, as stone is a natural material and you never know...
Here is the finished carving, ready for the personal touches he requested.
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