A beautifully carved antique Victorian lava cameo brooch featuring a classical female profile adorned with grape leaves and draped garments. The cameo is carved in high relief with crisp surviving detail and set in a simple sterling silver bezel mounting.
Carved in Italy during the late Victorian era, and collected as souvenirs by tourists on their Grand Tours, lava cameos were created from hardened volcanic stone gathered near Mount Vesuvius. Unlike shell cameos, lava allowed artisans to carve deeper, more sculptural relief with a soft matte finish that almost resembles miniature stone sculpture.
This one has survived in remarkably crisp condition, which is not always the case because volcanic stone is rather soft and fragile compared to other carving mediums.
-Details-
Dimensions: ~ 1.85 inches x 1.5 inches
Metal: Sterling Silver, unmarked and tested
Stone: Carved Lava/Volcanic Rock
Total Weight: 11.35 grams
Condition: This cameo is in great antique condition, the carving remains crisp with strong surviving detail. Minor surface wear and patina, consistent with age. Pin stem, hinge, and clasp are intact and functioning properly.
A Note to Our Customers: All of our vintage or antique pieces have been loved in a previous life. Because of this, you may notice subtle signs of wear consistent with age, a soft patina, or minor surface marks. These pieces have a lived-in character that comes with time. We take great care to photograph and describe each piece as accurately as possible, and will always note anything significant. These small imperfections are part of what makes each piece unique and are a reflection of its history and the life it has already lived.
A beautifully carved antique Victorian lava cameo brooch featuring a classical female profile adorned with grape leaves and draped garments. The cameo is carved in high relief with crisp surviving detail and set in a simple sterling silver bezel mounting.
Carved in Italy during the late Victorian era, and collected as souvenirs by tourists on their Grand Tours, lava cameos were created from hardened volcanic stone gathered near Mount Vesuvius. Unlike shell cameos, lava allowed artisans to carve deeper, more sculptural relief with a soft matte finish that almost resembles miniature stone sculpture.
This one has survived in remarkably crisp condition, which is not always the case because volcanic stone is rather soft and fragile compared to other carving mediums.
-Details-
Dimensions: ~ 1.85 inches x 1.5 inches
Metal: Sterling Silver, unmarked and tested
Stone: Carved Lava/Volcanic Rock
Total Weight: 11.35 grams
Condition: This cameo is in great antique condition, the carving remains crisp with strong surviving detail. Minor surface wear and patina, consistent with age. Pin stem, hinge, and clasp are intact and functioning properly.
A Note to Our Customers: All of our vintage or antique pieces have been loved in a previous life. Because of this, you may notice subtle signs of wear consistent with age, a soft patina, or minor surface marks. These pieces have a lived-in character that comes with time. We take great care to photograph and describe each piece as accurately as possible, and will always note anything significant. These small imperfections are part of what makes each piece unique and are a reflection of its history and the life it has already lived.
