Vintage Coral Manu Fica Amulet
Cool miniature manu fica (aka mano figa, fig hand, etc.) pendant, dating from the 1970s. This one's carved from a single piece of coral and features 18 carat gold fittings with Italian markings.
The "Fig Hand" has many names across the world on account of its significance to a broad range of cultures, however it traces its origins back at least as far as ancient Rome and Turkey where it was a mildly offensive obscene gesture. It's super easy to make. Clench your fist, but instead of the thumb remaining on the outside, it's placed between the index and middle finger. Usually it's brandished to ward off the evil eye, as a casual insult, or to deny a request. In the UK and certain other northern European cultures it has no real meaning other than pretending to "steal" a child's nose.
Some examples of meaning from around the world:
In Italy: fica in mano. In past centuries was extremely offensive, akin to giving someone the finger
In Greece: known as a "fist-phallus", and can be accompanied by extending the right hand while clasping the left hand under one's armpit in a derogatory manner
In Japan: called セックス (sekkusu) and means sex
In Russia, Poland: ktoś pokazał figę - WSJP. Used when denying a request
In Lithuania: špyga and usually when using it some would say špyga taukuota. Denying a request and refusing to do it
In Croatia, Serbia and Slovenia: used when denying a request or when swearing a false oath
In Turkey: an obscene gesture equivalent to showing the middle finger
In Korea: likewise meaning as in Turkey as to mean "Here have it!"
In Indonesia and the Netherlands: known as a gesture symbol for sexual intercourse
In Portugal, Galicia and in Brazil: a gesture of good luck
Era: Vintage, circa 1970
Size: 24.0mm by 6.4mm
Stone: Coral
Marks: Italian marks for 18ct gold
Condition: Great vintage condition
Full appraisal document provided with each item.
This includes a valuation for insurance purposes, item specifics, date, and origins (where applicable).
Gemstones are tested by an accredited gemmologist (Cert GA, Gemmological Association of Great Britain).
Shipping
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Tracked and insured with signature on delivery
RM Special Delivery (UK domestic)
US Shipments
Parcels going to the United States are currently subject to the Trump administration's 10% "reciprocal tariff". Until August 29th (2025), parcels under $800 remain tariff-free under the de minimis exemption.
We declare our parcels under HTS code 9706 (antique over 100 years old) which reduces import duties to zero. This means the 10% "reciprocal tariff" is all you should be charged by customs*. At this time, you are responsible for any taxes levied at the border.
US customs will require a SS# or business tax ID to clear parcels valued over $2500. UPS will request this information from you directly. More information about this can be found on the US Customs and Border Protection website.
* The tariff situation is being handled extremely erratically by the Trump administration, as such it's susceptible to change as short notice. We will keep the information on this page updated as best we can.
[last updated: August 23rd, 2025]
Resizing
Ring sizing is available on most rings
£55 flat fee
Resizing takes 7-14 days
Leave a note at checkout with your desired size
Note: sizing may remove some of the patina (although we take every care to reduce this where possible)
Layaway
25% deposit taken to secure the item. The remaining balance will be settled in 90 days. You can pay installments weekly, monthly, or the full balance at the end - whatever works.
Condition
We offer detailed and accurate condition reports on each listing. These pieces are antique, vintage, or pre-loved and often over 100 years old so they're going to have lived a life. A healthy patina and the odd scuff or scrape is quite normal... it's part of their charm! Everything we present has been checked over by our jeweller and should be good for wear for many years to come (unless otherwise stated) but please remember to treat them with appropriate care and consideration for their age.
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