The Protective Meaning Behind Meghan Markle’s Gold Ring

On Dec. 18, Meghan Markle was spotted wearing a new piece of jewelry, and it’s more than just a bauble. While visiting the Royal Variety Charity’s nursing home, Brinsworth House, in Twickenham, Markle donned a gold ring from Turkish jewelry brand Kismet by Milka.

Of course, the duchess can’t make a fashion statement without the notice of her fans, and devotees of the royal quickly realized that the striking ring featured a hamsa with an eye in the middle.

The hamsa, also known as the Hand of Fatima in Islam and the Hand of Miriam in Judaism, looks like a hand with three extended fingers in the middle and a curved thumb or pinky finger on each side. It is believed to protect against “the evil eye,” which is a curse that causes harm. The hamsa is also thought to bestow health, happiness and general good fortune on its wearer.

Getty Images | Chris Jackson

 

Of course, Markle has a lot to protect these days, as she’s currently pregnant with her first child. In ancient Mesopotamia, the hamsa was also believed to promote healthy fertility and lactation, so that association may be another reason why the duchess chose to sport the 14K gold ring, which features a sapphire.

Here’s a closer look at the ring:

Kismet by Milka

 

Markle’s exact due date has not been made public, but when her pregnancy was announced this past October, she was said to be due sometime in spring 2019. During an outing on Christmas Day, Markle reportedly remarked, “We’re nearly there!” with her hand placed on her baby bump, indicating that the newest royal’s arrival will happen sometime soon.

But can the ring actually bring Markle good luck? Although superstitious beliefs are often thought to be all made up,  some research has shown that so-called “lucky charms” can actually work. Scientists believe that the tokens’ efficacy is due to the feelings of confidence they inspire in those who wear them.

Of course, the hamsa ring is not the only meaningful piece of jewelry Markle has worn. Her custom, one-of-a-kind engagement ring features a three-carat cushion-cut diamond from Botswana, a place that is special to Markle and husband Prince Harry. The diamond side stones were given to him by his mother, the late Princess Diana.

Markle has also been lucky enough to borrow jewelry from Queen Elizabeth II, including some gorgeous diamond and pearl drop stud earrings.