Beautiful and rare antique lava cameo necklace, crafted from gold-plated silver 925 (hallmarked and guaranteed).
This exceptional antique necklace consists of a wide anchor chain and a central section featuring five oval lava cameos in delicately nuanced earth tones of beige, grey and olive. The bezel-set lava cameos are arranged in ascending order of size and depict four antique-style profiles, including the goddess Ceres and a Maenad, both iconographically recognisable by their attributes: ears of grain and vine leaves respectively. In Roman mythology, the Maenad is also known as a Bacchante.
The necklace fastens with a simple spring clasp.
The cameos of this beautiful historical piece of jewellery were created in Italy around 1890, whilst the necklace was set in England.
Lava stone in various earth tones, which was frequently crafted into gemstones in the area around Naples as ‘Vesuvius lava’, was often brought home from the Grand Tour in the 19th century as a memento of southern Europe and its rich culture and history.
Length of the necklace: 43.5 cm.
Dimensions of the lava cameos: ca. 2.1 x 1.9 cm – 3.1 x 2.6 cm.
Weight: 40.9 grams.
Condition: Wonderful vintage condition, freshly cleaned, see photos.
You will receive the necklace lovingly packaged in one of our pretty cases and accompanied by a certificate of authenticity.
Please note: Vintage and antique jewellery are pre-owned items which, due to their history, may show slight signs of wear.
