Antique Georgian Archaeological Revival 14K Rose Gold Lava Cameo Necklace

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Antique Georgian Archaeological Revival 14K Rose Gold Lava Cameo Necklace

About the Item

Rare theatrical interest antique Archaeological Revival 14K Rose Gold lava cameo necklace. Georgian Period, excellent original condition and fine patina. Classical design with great modern appeal. Lava jewelry became a highly sought memento of the Grand Tour visit to Pompeii. The buried cities of Pompeii, Herculaneum and Stabiae were discovered in the late sixteenth century and excavation began in 1738. From the middle of the eighteenth century to around 1840, the archaeological wonders of Pompeii and its surrounds were a must see and bringing home and wearing a piece of lava jewelry was an indicator of a well-travelled person of good taste. This fine, rare, early necklace is composed of twelve eye shaped carved, double sided white lava cameos set in 14K Rose gold, depicting Roman theatrical masks, twenty four carvings in all with a circular clasp of Medusa carved on each side. Similar carvings can be seen on a Roman 1st Century cameo in the Getty Museum collection, part of the Roman Treasury on view in gallery 216. The theater of ancient Rome was an important aspect of Roman society during the Imperial and Republic periods. Roman comedies and tragedies acted as vessels in introducing the discussion of philosophy and the classic plays of Seneca continue to influence today's writers. The theatrical masks in this necklace likely depict stock characters of Roman Comedy: Adulescens, Miles Gloriosus, Matrona, Parasitus, Virgo, Senex and Leno. Medusa, one of the most famous characters in Greek mythology, aptly acts as a clasp, bringing the characters together. A marvelous find for an actor or theater aficionado. A security chain was added to this necklace and may easily be removed if desired. Length is 16.75 inches, width is .44 inches Tested for 14K gold Late Eighteenth-Early Nineteenth Century

Metal:
14k Gold,Rose Gold
Dimensions:
Width: 0.44 in (11.18 mm)Length: 16.75 in (425.45 mm)
Style:
Georgian
Place of Origin:
Italy
Period:
Early 19th Century
Date of Manufacture:
19th Century
Condition:
Additions or alterations made to the original: A later 14K gold security chain complements this necklace. It can be easily removed if desired. Wear consistent with age and use.
Seller Location:
New York, NY
Reference Number:
1stDibs: LU1887213571692