The Ladies A 19thc Lava Cameo Necklace

With the fashion for young people and newlyweds to do a "Grand Tour" in the 1800's came some pretty fabulous souvenir jewels. Touring Europe travelers would pick up items wherever they went, and when in Italy it was cameos. Lava cameos were made from the lava flows of Mount Vesuvius, in particular the eruption that caused the destruction of Pompeii and Herculaneum. The lava naturally occurs in a variety of colors as this necklace demonstrates. This beauty is comprised of 22 cameos of women, it drapes perfectly and the clasp is hidden in a cameo. The cameos are set in silver plated metal. Circa 1850.

Details.....The necklace measures 18" long and the cameos range in size from .82" x .70" to .72" x .60". In good antique condition, there is some wear to the metal. You should always expect some wear on vintage and antique jewels, we consider it part of the charm.