- Description
- Specifications
A lovely antique lava cameo bracelet from the Victorian era, c1860! Made of silver gilt, the bracelet is comprised of nine lava cameos inspired by the archaeological digs at Pompeii. Although, namely 'lava cameos', these carved beauties typically were made from limestone or tuff indigenous to the region around Pompeii. Each hand carved cameo is carried out by a master Italian carver and depict high relief portraits of an ancient Roman god or goddesses. Their colours slightly vary from natural khaki to creamy beige with a 'biscuit porcelain' surface. Each rests in a bezel frame with little rings connecting the cameo panels. A simple hook clasp secures the bracelet. The bracelet measures approx 19cm (7& 1/2") long and the cameos measures approx 19mm x 16mm.
Victorian lava cameos were very desired with travelers embarking on their Grande Tour and found the newly excavated ruins of Pompeii to be an alluring stop. Victorian women often purchased lava cameo jewellery as a souvenir from their travels, and proudly wore the jewellery to appear as a worldly person of good taste and culture.
Video of the bracelet can be viewed here: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/MpidMD4RCWI
A beautiful lava cameo bracelet with a charming history. A lovely piece to wear, or add to your antique cameo collection.
| Victorian, c1860 | |
| Silver gilt (tests as low grade silver metal alloy mix) | |
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| 23.34 grams | |
| 19cm (7 & 1/2") bracelet length, and cameos measure 19mm x 16mm | |
| The overall condition of the bracelet is excellent. Besides normal surface wear, there is no apparent chips or nicks to the cameos and each is secure in its bezel collet. The rings are all firmly closed and clasp works well. A wonderful Victorian piece! |
