Of all talismanic motifs, the figa mano has always been my favourite. It is OLD, it goes back to Roman times, it is naughty, it is interesting, beautiful, and somehow childish, but I think this has much to do with having my nose ‘stolen’ as a child than anything else. Amulets worn in this form by Romans, was said to ward off the ‘evil eye’, the idea was that the obscene sexual gesture would distract evil spirits from causing trouble and harm. Whether or not you believe that is up to you, but the rich history of this hand gesture is too fascinating to ignore.
This guy is a bit special, as someone has given him a glow up with a rather lovely diamond. Approx, 0.2-0.25ct, and set into a clean rub over setting, it really elevates the piece, contrasting with the organic nature of the coral. The material is that gorgeous deep red you want in coral, and the natural striations are visible, only adding to its beauty. The carving is beautiful, suberbly naturalistic; you can see fingernails, the fingers are perfect, and there are even little creases in the wrist. I couldn’t make something like this out pf playdoh, let alone carve it in coral.
This piece is really spesh, and I hope it finds someone lovely to look after it, and be looked after by.
The coral and gold cuff is 19th century, the diamond is a later addition
Coral and high carat yellow gold, diamond and white gold
27 × 18.5mm not including bale
1.8 grams
Excellent
Of all talismanic motifs, the figa mano has always been my favourite. It is OLD, it goes back to Roman times, it is naughty, it is interesting, beautiful, and somehow childish, but I think this has much to do with having my nose ‘stolen’ as a child than anything else. Amulets worn in this form by Romans, was said to ward off the ‘evil eye’, the idea was that the obscene sexual gesture would distract evil spirits from causing trouble and harm. Whether or not you believe that is up to you, but the rich history of this hand gesture is too fascinating to ignore.
This guy is a bit special, as someone has given him a glow up with a rather lovely diamond. Approx, 0.2-0.25ct, and set into a clean rub over setting, it really elevates the piece, contrasting with the organic nature of the coral. The material is that gorgeous deep red you want in coral, and the natural striations are visible, only adding to its beauty. The carving is beautiful, suberbly naturalistic; you can see fingernails, the fingers are perfect, and there are even little creases in the wrist. I couldn’t make something like this out pf playdoh, let alone carve it in coral.
This piece is really spesh, and I hope it finds someone lovely to look after it, and be looked after by.
The coral and gold cuff is 19th century, the diamond is a later addition
Coral and high carat yellow gold, diamond and white gold
27 × 18.5mm not including bale
1.8 grams
Excellent
