Antique Victorian 9k gold Coral Figa Hand Pendant, 9 ct Gold Amulet, Mediterranean Orange Coral Charm, Protective Lucky Talisman

A rare and deeply evocative antique Mediterranean coral figa hand pendant, mounted in a 9k gold cap, and carrying the quiet poetry of centuries.

Carved from natural orange coral, the figa (mano fico) is among the oldest protective amulets of the Mediterranean world, a symbol of fertility, luck, and defence against the evil eye. Long before it became jewellery, the figa was a personal talisman, passed from hand to hand, worn close, and trusted.

This particular example feels especially early. The carving is primitive and softly resolved, with none of the sharp definition associated with later, more commercial Victorian coral work. Its form and surface strongly suggest an earlier origin, possibly Georgian or even earlier, at a time when coral amulets were carved simply, for belief rather than display.

The coral’s surface has been slowly shaped by touch rather than tools. Areas are gently softened, as though polished by decades of handling, carrying, and use. This is not damage, it's combination of the early coral and the intimate wear of an object that has lived a life, a devotional smoothness that cannot be replicated and speaks of continuity, protection, and passage.

At some point, as was common, the coral hand was re-mounted in a 9k gold case, likely during the Victorian period, allowing the amulet to continue its journey into a new era. The gold mount is unhallmarked but acid-tested as solid 9k gold, consistent with Victorian practices for small charms and talismans.

It is easy to imagine this piece moving through generations, adapting to changing fashions while retaining its original meaning, an amulet that outlived its first owner and quietly accompanied the next.

Details
• Material: Natural Mediterranean coral
• Mount: 9k gold (unhallmarked, acid tested)
• Form: Figa hand (mano fico)
• Period: Coral possibly Georgian or earlier; gold mount likely Victorian
• Measurements: approx. 3.1 cm including bail × 0.6 cm
• Weight: 1.09 grams
• Condition: Antique condition with pronounced age wear, consistent with long-term handling and multi-generational use

Chain shown in photo 8 is not included.

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1568C