Upcycle 10k Mani FIga Charm with Ruby Fingernails

I have been obsessed with vintage and antique Mano Figas for a long time... their symbolism is FASCINATING. The 'fig' gesture (the thumb stuck in between the index and middle finger) is meant to symbolize the FAGINE (vagina). It was popular in Roman culture to ward off the evil eye... Romans idolized the 'fig' as the source of life... a powerful creation symbol to defend against destruction. The early Christians then turned it into an obscene gesture (kind of like today's middle finger) because of you know... body shame and misogyny etc.... and then the gesture fell out of use in most societies... EXCEPT JEWELRY. Once again, jewelry is so intertwined in history and anthropology!

I made a mold of a vintage figa and had it cast in recycled 10k gold, with rubies put in the finger nails! I wanted a modern spin on what I believe to be an early feminist symbol. This beauty invokes the GODDESS. She is a symbol of femininity, life and badassery. She fights of the eye evil, bestows strength, power and positivity...and all what rocking a fresh mani!

3g 14k

5 x 1.2mm rubies

Pendant 24mmx 8mm

Bale 5mm