Antique, Italian Cornicello pendant. Red coral with 14k gold. ( without chain )

Antique,  Italian Cornicello pendant. Red coral with 14k gold. ( without chain )

Italy early 1900s Genuine Red Coral

Size: 4 cm L

Wight: 2 gr.

Protectivew Amulet:

A cornicello is an Italian amulet or talisman worn to protect against the evil eye and bad luck in general, and, historically, to promote fertility and virility. In Neapolitan, it is called curniciello or variants thereof.

A cornicello is a twisted horn-shaped charm often made of gold, silver, bone, terracotta, or red coral. Cornicelli are thought to be modeled after an eland horn, to represent fertility, virility, and strength. The shape and colour of the red cornicelli are reminiscent of a chili pepper. The evil eye is believed to harm nursing mothers and their babies, bearing fruit trees, milking animals, and the sperm of men—‌the forces of generation. In addition to being worn as jewelry, cornicelli are sometimes hung from the rearview mirrors of cars (based on the older custom of using them to protect draft horses), and in houses.