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sellingantiques.co.uk
ID #SA1180769
FOR SALE
£285
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Victorian Lava Cameo Brooch of Demeter, Silver Mount, C.1860
Touch of Time Antiques
for sale €333     $362
£285

Touch of Time Antiques

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Victorian Lava Cameo Brooch of Demeter, Silver Mount, C.1860

19th century
Description

An excellent example of a mid-Victorian lava cameo brooch, dating to circa 1860–1880, finely carved in high relief from pale volcanic lava. The subject is Demeter, goddess of harvest and fertility, shown with wheat in her hair and a sickle — classical iconography rendered here with exquisite detail.

Lava cameos were favoured souvenirs during the Grand Tour, long since became collectable and are increasingly rare today, particularly in this quality and condition.

The brooch retains its original silver bezel mount (tested as 925 sterling) and C-shaped clasp.

Dimensions: 48 mm x 44 mm

Condition: Excellent throughout, no cracks or damage

Declaration

Touch of Time Antiques has dated this Victorian Lava Cameo Brooch to the Victorian era.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Reference
SA1180769
Dealers Notes

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Description
An excellent example of a mid-Victorian lava cameo brooch, dating to circa 1860–1880, finely carved in high relief from pale volcanic lava.
“
The subject is Demeter, goddess of harvest and fertility, shown with wheat in her hair and a sickle — classical iconography rendered here with exquisite detail.
Touch of Time Antiques
fig 1. An oval Victorian lava stone brooch featuring a carved high-relief profile portrait of Demeter enclosed in a silver bezel setting.
fig 1. Victorian Lava Cameo Brooch of Demeter, Silver Mount, C.1860

Lava cameos were favoured souvenirs during the Grand Tour, long since became collectable and are increasingly rare today, particularly in this quality and condition.

The brooch retains its original silver bezel mount (tested as 925 sterling) and C-shaped clasp.

Dimensions: 48 mm x 44 mm

Condition: Excellent throughout, no cracks or damage

Date of Manufacture

Touch of Time Antiques has dated this Victorian Lava Cameo Brooch to the Victorian era.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Ref
SA1180769
Touch of Time Antiques
Sellingantiques verified Since Apr 2025
Dealer Profile

You can view the stock and full dealer information on the Touch of Time Antiques Profile Page

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An oval Victorian lava stone brooch featuring a carved high-relief profile portrait of Demeter enclosed in a silver bezel setting.
1 / 10
Archive I An oval Victorian lava stone brooch featuring a carved high-relief profile portrait of Demeter enclosed in a silver bezel setting.

Victorian Lava Cameo Brooch of Demeter, Silver Mount, C.1860

Archive II An oval Victorian lava stone brooch featuring a carved high-relief profile portrait of Demeter enclosed in a silver bezel setting. View II
Archive III An oval Victorian lava stone brooch featuring a carved high-relief profile portrait of Demeter enclosed in a silver bezel setting. View III
Archive IV Scale Reference for An oval Victorian lava stone brooch featuring a carved high-relief profile portrait of Demeter enclosed in a silver bezel setting.
Archive V An oval Victorian lava stone brooch featuring a carved high-relief profile portrait of Demeter enclosed in a silver bezel setting. View V
Archive VI An oval Victorian lava stone brooch featuring a carved high-relief profile portrait of Demeter enclosed in a silver bezel setting. View VI
Archive VII An oval Victorian lava stone brooch featuring a carved high-relief profile portrait of Demeter enclosed in a silver bezel setting. View VII
Archive VIII An oval Victorian lava stone brooch featuring a carved high-relief profile portrait of Demeter enclosed in a silver bezel setting. View VIII
Archive IX An oval Victorian lava stone brooch featuring a carved high-relief profile portrait of Demeter enclosed in a silver bezel setting. View IX
Archive X An oval Victorian lava stone brooch featuring a carved high-relief profile portrait of Demeter enclosed in a silver bezel setting. View X
Enlarged Archival View

Touch of Time Antiques
Telephone 07593 802248
Location
Nottinghamshire
United Kingdom
Dealer Profile Page sellingantiques.co.uk/wwwsellingantiquescouktota
Verified Since Apr 2025
Items For Sale 61
Items Sold 50
Touch of Time Antiques
Verified Since Apr 2025
View Dealer Info
Location: Nottinghamshire, United Kingdom
Profile: sellingantiques.co.uk/wwwsellingantiquescouktota
Verified
Apr 2025
For Sale
61
Sold
50
An oval Victorian lava stone brooch featuring a carved high-relief profile portrait of Demeter enclosed in a silver bezel setting.
Victorian Lava Cameo Brooch of Demeter, Silver Mount, c.1860
Ref: SA1180769
An oval Victorian lava stone brooch featuring a carved high-relief profile portrait of Demeter enclosed in a silver bezel setting.
Detail View 1
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Detail View 8
Scale Reference
Archival Detail

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FAQs

Lava cameo brooches became prominent during the 19th century as popular souvenirs for travelers undertaking the Grand Tour in Italy. Crafted near Mount Vesuvius, these pieces featured carved motifs derived from classical Greco-Roman mythology.

These cameos are carved from porous, volcanic lava stone found in various neutral shades, including beige, grey, and terracotta. The carved stone plaque is typically set into a precious metal bezel, such as silver or gold.

Authentic pieces exhibit matte, porous surfaces with high-relief hand carving, often featuring classical profiles. Look for period-correct metal mountings, such as simple bezel settings with traditional c-clasps or long pin stems.

A carved lava brooch can be fastened to a tailored lapel, secured at the collar of a buttoned shirt, or attached to a silk scarf to provide a refined, antique detail to contemporary outfits.

Because lava stone is porous, it must be kept dry and away from oils, cosmetics, and liquid cleaners. Dust the relief carving gently with a dry, soft-bristled brush, and clean the silver mount using a microfiber cloth.
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