Travelers on the Grand Tour of Europe found the newly excavated ruins of Pompeii to be an irresistible stop. Lava trinkets from these sites made for excellent and inexpensive souvenirs, easy to pack and carry. In addition, pinning a lava cameo on ones’ blouse proved the wearer to be a well-traveled person of culture and good taste. The local industry was equal to the demand and created many cameos and intaglios out of this unlikely material to the unending delight of the tourists.
This wonderful lava cameo bracelet is set in 10 karat yellow gold, with six cameo scenes depicting Cupid (Eros)* with an animal. Each animal represents a Mythological figure, and they are as follows: Stag=Diana (Artemis), Wolf=Mars (Ares), Griffin and Eagle=Jupiter (Zeus), Goat=Faunus (Pan), Lion=Hercules (Heracles). Beautifully carved in varying earth-tone shades of lava, it is a delight for any scholar of Ancient Rome and Greece!
*Names in parentheses denote the Greek names.
Details (approximate)
Dimensions: 7.25", each cameo is approximately 1" x 1 1/8"
Weight: 48.4 grams
Materials: Gold, Carved Lava Cameos
Metal: 10K yellow gold
Marks: None
Condition: Very good antique condition commensurate with age and wear. Note: some minor breakage, nips and chips on various cameo scenes.