Large antique silver ring (tested and guaranteed), set with a lava cameo.
The oval ring head is adorned with a reddish-brown, beautifully cut lava cameo depicting a lady in antique style, seen in profile facing left. In keeping with the spirit of Historicism, the 19th century saw a fondness for drawing on imagery from antiquity, as this embodied sublime rigour, reason and order. Thus, the figure depicted here is portrayed in serene beauty, gazing calmly and dignifiedly into the distance.
The setting and band are crafted from silver in a simple, unadorned style, emphasising the design’s neoclassical tendencies.
This historic ring was made in Italy around 1880 and is a quintessential example of the fashion of that era: a thriving industry developed around the archaeological sites of Pompeii and Herculaneum, producing jewellery and objets d’art from ‘Vesuvius lava’, which educated travellers from northern Europe were keen to bring home as souvenirs as part of the so-called Grand Tour.
The ring is therefore a wonderful testament to a cultural practice that no longer exists in this form today.
Ring size: 54.5 / 17.4 mm.
Dimensions of the ring head: 2.6 x 2.3 cm.
Width of the ring shank at the back: 3.2 mm.
Dimensions of the lava cameo: ca. 2.3 x 2.1 cm.
Weight: 8.7 grams.
Condition: Good historical condition, cameo slightly chipped in one place near the hair, freshly cleaned, see photos.
The ring will be delivered lovingly packaged in one of our attractive cases, 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.
