c1860s Superb Quality Rare 10k Gold Carved Lava Cameo Pin / Brooch

Presented is a superb quality carved lava cameo brooch, in 10 karat gold. This piece dates to around the 1850s-1870s, and is very likely Italian. The cameo is fabulously carved with a classical Greco-Roman scene, of a helmeted man seated before three dancing women, with a harp-playing woman and two cherubs nearby. The carving is very detailed and well done, clearly by an artist with a good degree of skill. The gold frame is decorated with eight little florette or
shell designs, around the edge. The brooch has an old C style clasp

The frame is not stamped or hallmarked, but we have tested it with nitric acid and guarantee it to be 10 karat gold.

The cameo is in great condition. The carving itself is securely set. The details of the carving are nice and crisp. There are no breaks and no repairs.

The cameo measures about 2 1/2 by 1 3/4 inches, LxW.

The cameo weighs 28 grams.

-jm