Victorian Lava Cameo Bracelet Gilt Silver c. 1860

This special Victorian bracelet was made circa 1860 and was purchased as a souvenir to commemorate the wearer's visit to Italy on the Grand Tour!  While they're called "lava cameos" and inspired by the archaeological digs at Pompeii, these beauties typically were carved from limestone or tuff and then dyed.  This bracelet has very nice carving work, particularly to the main cameo, and is set in a gilded silver.  Victorian's loved their Grand Tour souvenir jewelry and we've had a number of gorgeous pieces come through the store!  To put it in more modern terms, wearing a lava cameo piece was the Victorian equivalent of posting your travel pic on Instagram -- it showed that you were cultured and well-traveled.  

Measures 7 1/4" wearable length.  Largest cameo measures a smidge over 1 1/2 x 1 3/8".  

Not stamped or signed but tested for metal content.  

Weighs 43.1 grams.

In very good condition for its age.  Wear to gilding.  Large cameo has a small chip at upper left.  Box clasp in good working order and closes tightly.

All purchases from Bavier Brook arrive in an elegant box, fully wrapped in fine paper. Please inquire for international shipping. Don't hesitate to ask if you have any questions, we are happy to answer them!