Neoclassical Grand Tour carved grey 'lava' bracelet formed of two curved sections with lion head terminals with a central carved boss clasp set in gold. c.1820.
Ribbed gold caps to the underside. Internal diameter 2 inches.
These carvings were extremely delicate and impractical and very few survive in any condition. This item is not something to be worn for long periods. A true collector's piece.
'Lava' cameos,trinkets and amulets were popular tourist souvenirs sold around Pompeii and Naples in the early to mid c19th. In reality 'lava' was all manner of compact limestones and marbles mined from the local region.