Operculum Brooch

Sterling silver and operculum heart and bow brooch. An operculum is a sort of door that covers the opening of a marine gastropod shell when the animal is retracted, thus sealing it off from danger and protecting it from predators. The Victorians used these small shells that resemble cat eyes as talismans to protect against the evil eye, a supernatural malevolent glare that can be cast on the unsuspecting, causing misfortune, injury, and even death.