Antique jewelry glossary

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Horus eye

The portrayal of this eye is the literal meaning of 'the healthy (or cured) eye'. The eye of the Falcon god Horus is represented as a human eye with the conspicuous black feathers under it.

According to an old myth the eye of Horus is pulled out by his rival Seth and cut in pieces. Seth was the uncle who claimed for the throne of Egypt after he killed Horus' father.

This symbol with his many meanings stands for a recovered wholeness. In the astronomy it is the symbol for the moon that gets fuller. It has also the meaning of balance and hope and for the Egyptians it was a very beloved symbol. It was made in many different forms, sizes and materials for amulets and beautiful jewels.