Antique Cameo Brooch Man Jewelry

Here is a classical example of Grand Tour souvenirs from the Victorian age. During the Victorian era wealthy families traveled throughout Europe on extended vacations known as the Grand Tour - one popular stop on the Grand Tour was the ruins of Pompeii. As a souvenir of their travels wealthy wanderers would often purchase lava cameos for themselves and also as gifts for loved ones back home. The cameos often portrayed historical statesmen, philosophers and dignitaries. This cameo is a very large size measuring 2 1/4"L x 1 3/4"W with a tremendous rise.  It is a heavy cameo set into a hand made frame of silver on bronze.  The carving is so impeccably detailed down to every wisp of hair on his head and long curly beard.  It is so well executed!  The movement is smooth and mellow.  The color is of a jade green base with the figure being a rich celadon green.  There is a slight brownish natural vein running across his hand and a slight bit on his nose - this is all natural inclusions in the lava or limestone material. Male subjects are rare to find in Cameo!  It has a simple C clasp in good working order.

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