Mother of Pearl Open Hand Talisman Necklace

This necklace features a single open hand talisman, delicately carved from Mother of Pearl. 

 Hands have been a popular motif in the decorative arts as far back as ancient Rome, where a hand descending from the sky can be found in the Roman catacombs. Known as the Manus Dei, or Hand of God, the imagery was a popular image in Judaic and Christian Art.  The imagery became particularly popular during the Victorian eras, when - depending upon the finger position - hands were regarded as symbols of a number of sentimentalities - such as strength, protection, loyalty and mourning. 

 Charm is suspended from an 18” 14k gold fill paperclip chain.