This bracelet is a Grand Tour souvenir, that was bought in Italy in the 19th Century. The bracelet is made from 9k rose gold and is set with eight oval lava stone cameos, each panel depicting a Greek goddess.
Lava stone is a fairly soft material that can be easily carved. It was found beneath the Vesuvius, the famous volcano that left Pompeii and Herucaleum in ashes in 79 AD. Especially in the region around Naples, a town near the Vesuvius, a lot of lava stone jewellery was created, depicting ancient themes such as these.
During the 18th and 19th Century, well-to-do youngsters would do a 'Grand Tour' through Europe as part of their cultural upbringing. These tours could last from several weeks to even a few years. Surrounded by people from their own classes, they would spend time listening to music, visiting ancient ruins and marveling at famous artworks in museums. In a time before photography, this journey was considered an essential part of someone's cultural upbringing. Italy, with its rich cultural heritage, often was the highlight of such a tour. These travelers would often bring Grand Tour souvenirs back home which would remind them of their travels.
GENERAL INFORMATION
Size: 15 cm / 5.90 inches long.
This bracelet could be sized up by adding little extra chains between the clasp: feel free to reach out to discuss this option.
Weight: 12.55 grams.
Age: 19th Century, also known as the Victorian Era, circa 1860.
Material: Acid tested as 9k gold.
Condition: In great antique condition with only minor wear, consistent with its age. The cameos are still in beautiful condition, with no damage. One of the cameos has a very old inventory number and price on the back: a charming feature of its past that I decided to keep intact.
Please note that this store is based in the EU. Although antiques are exempt from taxes in most countries, buyers from outside the EU might be subject to import duties.
Lava stone is a fairly soft material that can be easily carved. It was found beneath the Vesuvius, the famous volcano that left Pompeii and Herucaleum in ashes in 79 AD. Especially in the region around Naples, a town near the Vesuvius, a lot of lava stone jewellery was created, depicting ancient themes such as these.
During the 18th and 19th Century, well-to-do youngsters would do a 'Grand Tour' through Europe as part of their cultural upbringing. These tours could last from several weeks to even a few years. Surrounded by people from their own classes, they would spend time listening to music, visiting ancient ruins and marveling at famous artworks in museums. In a time before photography, this journey was considered an essential part of someone's cultural upbringing. Italy, with its rich cultural heritage, often was the highlight of such a tour. These travelers would often bring Grand Tour souvenirs back home which would remind them of their travels.
GENERAL INFORMATION
Size: 15 cm / 5.90 inches long.
This bracelet could be sized up by adding little extra chains between the clasp: feel free to reach out to discuss this option.
Weight: 12.55 grams.
Age: 19th Century, also known as the Victorian Era, circa 1860.
Material: Acid tested as 9k gold.
Condition: In great antique condition with only minor wear, consistent with its age. The cameos are still in beautiful condition, with no damage. One of the cameos has a very old inventory number and price on the back: a charming feature of its past that I decided to keep intact.
Please note that this store is based in the EU. Although antiques are exempt from taxes in most countries, buyers from outside the EU might be subject to import duties.