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Directory: Antiques: Decorative Art: Jewelry: English: Pre 1837 VR: Item # 1426862

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Moylan-Smelkinson/The Spare Room
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P.O. Box 4684
Baltimore, Maryland 21212
tel. 410-435-3738

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This wonderful lava ring was sold in Naples to travelers on the Grand Tour as souvenir jewelry in the 1820’s to 40's after the discovery of the ruins of Pompeii and Herculaneum in the 18th century. Made by Pompeian stone cutters, each of the seven round heads of the ring is distinctly carved and is of a different hue as well as a different mythological figure and comes from a different organic material sourced from Vesuvius. The cameos represent the days of the week, The grey cameo represents Venus for Friday. Continuing right to left; Saturday is represented by Saturn, in taupe; Sunday is the white cameo and is represented by Apollo (Sol); Monday is Diana (Luna); Tuesday (terra-cotta cameo) is Mars; Wednesday is Mercury; Thursday is Jove (black cameo). The ring is in exceptionally good condition. The ring is a US size 9 1/4.