Antique Victorian 9ct gold brooch featuring three cameo faces set in Lava. Lava was considered a fine high quality material used alongside stone, shell, coral, bog oak or mother of pearl to carve cameos. Each cameo would have been hand carved, the outer faces are facing inwards while the central face is facing to the right. The cameos are in three different colours of lava, grey, brown and black. The pin secures with a typical Victorian open 'c' clasp.

Victorian women on the Grand Tour—a travelling rite of passage for upper-class Europeans—sought out lava cameos carved with the mystery woman's image when they were in Italy.

HALLMARKS

None, tested 9ct gold.

ERA

Victorian, 1937-1901

MEASUREMENTS

The brooch measures 3.5cm /1.5" in length and 1.4cm / 0.5" in height.

CONDITION

Good condition

SKU

5385