The Cat's Eye is the operculum, or foot closure, of the Turbo shell (Turbo petholatus), found in tropical and semitropical climates throughout the world but, seemingly most prevalent in the South Pacific. It is a kind of shield attached to the foot of animal within the shell, and serves to protect him when drawn shut. In the right hand photo, below, the opening of the Turbo shell is shown with a cat's eye in position (mounted on cotton batting for illustration purposes.) Turbo petholatus Legend has it that cat's eyes were once used as a medium of exchange in the South Pacific. In other cultures they were sometimes believed to have the mystical power to ward off evil, and were carried as talismans or worn as amulets. During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, cat's eyes were frequently used in Jewelry. Rediscovered by troops during WW-II in the South Pacific, many cat's eyes were brought or sent home around the world, regenerating interest in Victorian era cat's eye jewelry, considered very collectible today.

HOME