This one-of-a-kind necklace is composed of:

• Victorian, hand-carved lava cameo pendant from the late 1800s. This cameo features raised, detailed characteristics and physical attributes of a women. This hand-carved lava cameo was sourced in England.

• This necklace measures a standard 18” on a modern 14k gold filled chain. The pendant measures 1.75" in width.

THE HISTORY

Lava cameos came in every form of accessory—brooches, rings, necklaces, and more—and were incredibly popular tourist accessories in the 1800s. These hand-carved treasures were made with a hardened volcanic compound and were typically purchased as a souvenir while on a European grand tour in Victorian times. Lava cameos in particular were common to purchase in Italy after visiting Pompeii—whose fascinating ruins over an entire region were buried in lava and volcanic ash when Mt. Vesuvius blew in 79 AD.

Only the upper class and wealthy could afford to travel in the 1800s, so tourist jewelry like these hand-carved cameos would have been a status symbol to flaunt among your peers upon return home.