A vintage operculum cat's eye seashell set inside a gold plated coin edge bezel setting. I added a tiny brass man in the moon and a 24 inch gold plated chain. Operculum means "little lid". It is a structure that appears on different types of gastropods, and opens and closes like a tiny trapdoor.

The Victorians believed these shells looked like eyes and used them frequently in jewelry to symbolize the evil eye and to ward off danger and misfortune.

Jewelry incorporating the evil eye symbol has been worn for thousands of years to keep the wearer safe from harm. The evil eye symbol is one of the most prevalent images seen worldwide. It is used for basically the same purpose in almost every culture.

Some European myths claim that the man in the moon is an exile who was banished for crimes committed, while other cultures say he is as a guardian who watches over us. The Inuits believe he is the keeper of souls, both men and animals. Whatever your beliefs, this image has been used for countless centuries in art and legend.

Items listed as natural, raw, or rough may have some imperfections and inclusions. Be sure to check all photos, including the zoom feature, for details about a particular stone. Please see photo with ruler for size.Colors may vary with individual monitors.

Many natural items are susceptible to fading, and they should be kept out of direct sunlight. Do not use hot water or salt water to clean them. Item properties and descriptions are for informational purposes only and do not offer any guaranteed outcomes. Also, they are not intended as a substitute for medical care.