History lesson: Lava Jewelry classical, varied and beautiful

LAVA JEWELRY

Lava cameos are carved into a wide variety of subjects

 similar to those found in shell cameos:

Classical scenes including Roman and Greek gods and goddesses. You can find famous historical figures

and political figures from the Victorian era.

A lady could also commission a lava cameo to be carved

 in her own likeness if she wished.

The lava cameos are normally found mounted into

gold or silver to form the jewelery.

A Very Rare and Gorgeous Quality Antique Necklace with five Exquisite Carvings of Cherubs in Volcanic Lava, c. 1845.

Volcanic Lava Jewellery traditionally came from the lava of Vesuvius, which erupted in 79 A.D., destroying Pompeii and Herculaneum. This type of Jewellery became popular during the ‘Grand Tour’ days of the English Aristocracy in the 19th century.

These playful cherubs or Cupids represent winged heavenly beings, signifying the message of love.

Each Cherub has been wonderfully and meticulously hand-Carved in high relief, with great Skill. Each is a work of Sculptural Art.

The colours of the Lava are varied with a Rare Blue-Grey one in the centre.

A Magnificent and Very Rare Fine Quality Antique substantial High Carat Gold Cameo Bracelet with Deities in Volcanic Lava.

Each Deity is Hand-Carved with consummate skill, in the mid-Victorian period, c.1860.

This Beautiful Quality suite of portrait busts of classical deities represent the days of the week. From left to right:- Luna (Monday); Marte (Tuesday); Mercoli (Wednesday); Jove (the ruler of them all, and the centre of the Bracelet- Thursday); Venete (Friday); Saturn (Saturday) and Diana (Sunday).

Luna or Selene – the Goddess of the Moon, pale with a half-moon over her head, and, as a cousin of Diana, carrying a quiver of arrows.

Marte or Mars – the God of War, with helmet and armour.

Mercoli or Mercury – the Messenger of the Gods, with wings in his helmet.

Jove or Jupiter – The ruler of the Gods, in control of everything.

Venete or Venus – the Goddess of Love.

Saturn – the father of Jupiter.

Diana – the Goddess of Hunting and Protector of all wild animals. Goddess of the Moon also. She carries a quiver of arrows, too.

These Gods and Goddesses are Hand-Carved out of subtly different coloured Volcanic Lava, probably from Vesuvius, with great craftsmanship, and meticulous detail.

The trend for lava cameo jewellery began in the early Victorian era, ladies undertaking the Grand Tour of Italy would call in at Pompei and purchase a piece of Lava Cameo Jewelery as a souvenir of their visit.

A little story about teeny Seed pearls

Antiques Roadshow...

believed to be once owned

by Marie Antoinette

A seed pearl is a natural pearl and weighs less than a quarter of a grain and is less than 2 mm in diameter in size. Can you imagine working with something so small to design a piece of fine jewelry? Once a cottage industry, pieces were often made by young men and women with small hands and good eyes.

Jewelers brought most seed pearls from India and China. They were strung on silk or white horsehair. In the mid 19th century, fashions became fuller and heavier. Because of the styles, seed pearl pieces became so large that that they were eventually made with metal supports.

By the 18th century and throughout the 19th century, pearls were very much in fashion. Victorians liked the delicate look, almost lace-like pieces against their skin and associated it with purity. They were often given as bridal gifts.

I hope you've enjoyed a bit of history on a style of jewelry I have always thought of as lovely. Jennifer

Architectural Wonder - don't you love it?

GREECE FRANCE ITALY ENGLAND

PILLARS LIONS LEAVES FLORALS

ROSETTES CANTUS LEAVES

There are so many wonders for that we can experience and architectural elements are one of them. Whether in small towns with Victorian gingerbread homes such as Cape May, New Jersey, sleepy New England towns or San Francisco hillsides. Barns with steeples, bricks and designs. Europe with the history and the art. The vastness of it all. When I traveled to Italy and walked the streets of Venice and Rome I couldn't believe the detail of the buildings and the beauty of it all. The churches, the museums, the Vatican. When I stood at the base of the Coliseum I felt to insignificant and could imagine the crowds and their roars.

So much to see, so much to learn - all at our fingertips. Do we take the time? When I lived 45 minutes from NY city I can say I did not. Now I live within 45 minutes from Baltimore, Gettysburg and Washington, D.C. and I make an effort. I am also an avid reader, I utilize my library and still there is so much to learn and see.

So... I plan to do and see more. Sounds like fun doesn't it?

Oh, and I love art too... did I mention that? Jennifer