GEORGIAN SHELL CAMEO NECKLACE

A Classic Grand Tour Souvenir fine shell cameo necklace backed in agate.

This original necklace is from the Georgian period circa 1820.

The wonderful piece has the original festooned high carat double chains, joining classical scenes of Vulcan, Cupid and Venus. These alternate with smaller animal scenes.

The necklace has fourteen finely carved cameos in total, including the original clasp depicting a leaping panther!

The main scene depicts Vulcan with Venus forging arrows for Cupid.

The other scenes include:

Cupid with a lyre

Cupid playing a musical instrument

Venus and the eagle - Zeus in the guise of and eagle

Venus with a dog which is a sign of fidelity.

Two swans

Two antelopes

Two griffins

The carvings are wonderfully fine and all original

It’s super rare to get cameos backed in agate, which adds to the piece by creating a warm blush tone .

It’s also rare to have the alternating animal miniatures between the classical scenes

Length approx: 46cm