DATE: Victorian, c.1860

An utterly breathtaking lava cameo pendant dating from the mid 19th Century, circa 1860. The subject is particularly cool, even by the Victorians' neo-classical standards... Cupid sits on a cloud, inside a scallop shell, carving the head of Aphrodite with hammer and chisel (with a set of compasses to one side). It's pretty much the ultimate amorous/romantic sentiment. The detail is just astonishing, carved on both the front and the back, with a flower garland motif to the top of the shell and remaining paired with the original lava bail. It remains in pristine condition.

STONES 

Carved Lava

MEASUREMENTS 

Total Length: 5.5cm

Width: 3.2cm

WEIGHT 

9.7g

MARKS 

No marks present, fittings test as 9k gold

CONDITION 

Excellent