The Œil de Sainte Lucie is the operculum of a shellfish known as the Mediterranean rough turbo. This shellfish is mainly found on the Mediterranean coast. On the gemstone market, it is available in its raw version, but above all in the form of jewelry set with oeil de sainte lucie. Planetys invites you to discover this exceptional shell.
Characteristics of the Œil de Ste Lucie
This shell can be presented in two different ways.
The operculum taken from the shell
This shellfish is very often harvested by professional fishermen who collect it in their nets. In this case, the shell’s operculum has a white face and a bright coral-orange face reminiscent of an ear. These two aspects are characteristic of the rough turbo, a Mediterranean species. Oval in shape, it varies in size from 25 to 30 mm, and is around 5 mm thick. After removing the shell’s operculum, sailors return the shell to the water, where it can form a new operculum.
Seashells collected on the seashore
Seaside shells no longer have the orange pigmentation, and their color tends from light to dark brown. The white face reveals a brown spiral. Oval in shape, its size ranges from 2 to 20 mm. Larger shells, however, are rather rare, and smaller ones (5 to 10 mm) are more common.
How is the St. Lucia Eye formed?
The Eye of Saint Lucia is also known as the Eye of the Virgin or the Eye of Venus. It is a mineralized operculum from a mollusc of the turbinid gastropod family. This is a type of periwinkle known as biou in Marseille, with a rounded shell. The operculum is the calcareous membrane attached to the animal’s foot. It enables it to close its shell. As the turbo grows, it sheds its operculum for a larger one.
The Œil de Sainte Lucie, a lucky shell
In Corsica, it’s considered a lucky shell. Slipped into a pocket as a rough stone, or worn as jewelry, it is supposed to protect its owner. A lucky shell, it is said that when the Œil de Sainte Lucie is stored with money, it brings wealth. It’s certainly for this reason that most St. Lucy’s Eye jewelry is made of silver.
In our Planetys boutique, you’ll find a selection of Œil de Sainte Lucie silver jewelry, including rings, bracelets and pendants at attractive prices. Don’t hesitate to buy a piece of jewelry set with this silver shell, to use it as a lucky charm.
Significance of the Eye of St. Lucia
The Eye of St. Lucy refers to Lucia of Syracuse, martyr and patron saint of several Corsican villages. Lucia’s devotion to God was a source of admiration for many believers who heard of her story, particularly around the Mediterranean. It also has a strong significance in the Christian religion. The lucky shell is considered a true guardian angel, protecting virgin women and contributing to peace in mankind.
In Asia, in the Hindu religion, the significance of the Eye of Shiva is quite different. The sacred shell is said to represent the third eye of the god Shiva, a true symbol of protection representing the Hindu gods.
Properties and virtues of the Saint Lucia Eye
As is often the case with natural gemstones, there are two areas of particular interest in this material: jewelry and lithotherapy. The St. Lucia Eye found on beaches is therefore transformed into jewelry, to take full advantage of its many physical and spiritual virtues.
Virtues for the body
The St. Lucia Eye has so many virtues for the body that it’s impossible to provide a precise list. The lucky shell is said to soothe the throat, especially in winter when bacteria and viruses take refuge there. As Saint Lucia is considered the protector of the eyes, the Eye of Saint Lucia prevents eye problems. Its bright color can evoke a feeling of warmth. Worn as a ring or earrings, the shell can loosen muscles, relieve cramps and regulate body temperature.
Virtues for the mind
The Œil de Sainte Lucie acts like a protective shield around its wearer. Worn as a ring, necklace or delicate silver bracelet, the shell keeps the evil eye away. By rejecting bad vibes, the Œil de Sainte Lucie attracts good luck, prosperity, wealth, joie de vivre and motivation. In Corsica, it’s unthinkable for sailors to set sail without the Œil de Sainte Lucie. A silver ring set with this operculum helps you overcome difficult trials and promotes emotional healing.
History and legend
Lucia was a young aristocratic girl whose mother suffered from an incurable disease. Through prayers to the Virgin Mary, she evoked her mother’s cure on a daily basis, with whom she visited the tomb of Saint Agatha to ask for her grace. One night, as she slept, Lucie dreamt of Saint Agatha announcing her mother’s recovery. The next day, she saw that her mother had been cured. In gratitude, Lucia vowed to remain a virgin and gave away all her possessions.
In the meantime, the young girl was much coveted by many men of the nobility. Lucia did not give in to temptation, however, and was determined to ward them off at all costs. To avoid turning away from her faith, she had the idea of making herself ugly by plucking out her eyes and throwing them into the sea. Moved by Lucia’s devotion to God, the Virgin Mary decided to restore her sight by giving her new eyes, much more beautiful and brilliant.
Give the gift of an Eye of St. Lucia
A true good-luck charm, it’s an original gift idea that you can give to the people you love. Whether you opt for a ring from our collection, a bracelet or a pendant, these pieces of jewelry are of great value.
