GOOD LUCK CHARMS. AND THEIR MEANINGS

From Ireland’s four leaf clover to Italy’s cornicello and Japan’s maneki-neko waving cat — collecting good luck charms and protective talismans is a tradition that transcends cultures, a joyful ritual to inspire positivity day-to-day, and an overall celebration of good things to come. Influenced by their travels, this season, our design team looked to the long list of symbols cherished by manifestation devotees globally to create the ultimate good luck jewellery collection. Read on to discover the history and meaning behind some of the core motifs woven throughout the range — maybe you’ll even find your perfect piece. We have a feeling luck is on your side!

THE ITALIAN CORNICELLO

If you’ve ever been to Naples, you’ve undoubtedly spotted these bright red talismans dangling from market stalls on every corner. So, what is a cornicello — and what does it symbolise?

Commonly mistaken for a chilli pepper, the amulet’s name actually translates to “little horn”. Its curved shape is thought to be inspired by the horn of an eland antelope, symbolising fertility, virility and strength. The cornicello is also linked to Greek and Roman mythology, with Zeus’ cornucopia horn representing abundance and prosperity, while the red coral it’s traditionally crafted from is sacred to Venus, goddess of love, fertility and fortune. Traditionally worn to ward off the evil eye, or malocchio — a curse believed to bring harm to people, animals and other life-giving forces — the cornicello is considered a symbol of luck, protection and prosperity. Beyond cornicello necklaces and bracelets, this lucky charm is often hung in homes and from rearview mirrors, a nod to the older Italian custom of protecting horses and carriages during travel.

THE 4 LEAF CLOVER

As far as good-luck symbols go, you’d be hard-pressed to find one more universal than the 4 leaf clover. Rooted in centuries of folklore and belief, this iconic lucky charm is actually a mutation of the common 3 leaf clover. And how rare is the 4 leaf clover? It’s estimated to occur in roughly one in several thousand clovers. Each leaf is said to carry its own meaning — faith, hope and love — with the fourth representing divine grace or fortune. Across Celtic tradition and Christian symbolism, it has long been associated with protection from misfortune and the attraction of good luck, often carried as a personal talisman or pressed and kept as a cherished charm. It’s also a popular jewellery motif (and one we love here at Mimco) often worn on earrings, necklaces and bracelets. Its enduring appeal lies in its rarity — a simple natural form believed to hold extraordinary meaning.

THE WISHBONE

We know it as a symbol of hope, luck and wishes granted — but what is a wishbone? In short, it’s a small Y-shaped bone that sits near a bird’s neck, and has been used in rituals surrounding luck and fortune-telling for centuries. The tradition dates back to the ancient Etruscans of Italy, who believed the bone held magical properties and would stroke it while making wishes. Over time, this evolved into the custom we know today: two people pulling apart the dried bone, with the holder of the larger piece said to have their wish granted. Though most commonly associated with turkeys, all poultry have wishbones — and the talisman continues to endure as a playful symbol of optimism and good fortune.

THE FORTUNE COOKIE

Crack open a fortune cookie and you’ll find more than just a sweet treat — you’ll uncover a tiny symbol of luck, destiny and possibility. While often associated with Chinese restaurants in the West, the fortune cookie’s origins are believed to trace back to 19th-century Kyoto, where similar message-filled cookies were sold near Japanese shrines. The shape itself is thought to be inspired by the yuanbao — a traditional Chinese gold ingot symbolising wealth and prosperity. Filled with fortunes, lucky numbers or words of encouragement, the cookie has come to be seen as a talisman of fate’s mysterious workings, reminding us to stay open to chance and the magic of the everyday.

THE LUCKY HORSESHOE

Long considered a symbol of luck and protection, the horseshoe’s origins trace back to ancient European folklore and superstition. In Celtic and broader Western traditions, its distinctive U-shape was associated with the crescent moon — a symbol of fertility, prosperity and abundance — while the iron it was traditionally forged from was believed to ward off evil spirits. Across English, Irish and Mediterranean cultures, horseshoes were commonly hung above doorways to protect the home and attract good fortune. Even the direction it faces carries meaning: some believe it should point upward to “hold” luck, while others hang it downward to shower good fortune onto those passing beneath it.