Roman Holiday : Antique Italian Cameo Bracelet in 12ct Gold

Travels through Europe were part of the formal education of every young person of means in the 18th and 19th Centuries. This adventure was generally known as the Grand Tour, and was often undertaken over several years: enough time to soak up history, culture and (ideally) knowledge of the ancients. Sounds a bit more fun the backpacking whirlwind that was my introduction to the world as a young adult – but then I am not a Lady Of Means.

Italy was an imperative stop on any Grand Tour, and many chose the classical cities of Rome and Florence to select their souvenirs; items which would be recognisable as having originated in foreign countries and could be worn with pride on the return home – a visible indication that the wearer was well travelled and educated. This beautiful antique cameo bracelet is such a piece. Made in Italy for the tourist trade in the first half of 19th Century, each small cameo features the profile of an Ancient Roman youth, hand carved in conch shell in very fine detail.

The 15 cameos are carved with the faces looking either left or right, and loosely arranged so that pairs of faces look at each other. Most profiles are androgynous in appearance, which is both very fun and entirely appropriate. You could spend hours inventing stories for these pairs of folk! It may just be me (and you can blame by Italian Catholic upbringing) but the cameo on the clasp looks much more like a Madonna than an Ancient Roman. I may be imagining things… but it would be so very Italian if it is!

Each of the oval cameos is bordered in 12ct gold and joined by links decorated with bobbles. The bracelet fastens with a tongue and groove clasp integrated into one of the cameo settings.

Manufacture: 
Each of the 15 oval shaped cameos has been hand carved into shell, The cameos depict a young Ancient Roman youth in profile (with the possible exception of the cameo on the clasp, which resembles the Madonna). Each cameo is set into a handmade bezel of 12 ct gold, joined to one another with double links of gold with decorative bobbles.

The bracelet is hallmarked K12 to the tongue of the clasp. This is not a standard hallmark, but as the piece pre-dates the hallmarking system introduced into Italy in 1870 it is fitting for the time period and country of origin.

Size:
The bracelet is 17.5cm (6 7/8″) long.

The oval cameo-set links measure approximately 10.34mm x 8.2mm x 3.5mm.
Weighs 8.2 grams.

Condition: 
Very good. The cameos are all in fine condition with little signs of wear, the carving remains crisp and clear. One of the gold bezels has been repaired on the underside, but the bracelet is in otherwise excellent antique condition.