Antique 14K & Carved Shell Cameo Conversion Ring

A cameo is a form of glyptography, or bas-relief carving, most often cut into glass, hard-stones, and shells. Artworks were crafted to create two layers on one piece of material, the top of which protruded from its background, creating a multi-dimensional artwork. These detailed reliefs were often used to adorn pieces of jewelry, including brooches, necklaces, bracelets and rings. The earliest cameos took inspiration from prehistoric petroglyphs, which documented important religious and symbolic iconography onto rock faces. Converted from a loose cameo, this full figure shell cameo has been mounted on a simple shank. It depicts a woman holding a lyre, reminding us of the Roman Vestal Virgins, sworn virgin priestesses of the goddess Vesta who also presided over several sacred rites and rituals. After their service at age 30, they were granted freedom to live as they pleased and even had their own money and property. We have named this piece for the Vestal Virgin Cossinia, who was recorded to have resided in a temple in Tivoli. Details (approximate) Size (can be resized): 7.75 Weight: 2.14 grams Materials: Gold, Carved Shell Cameo Metal: 14K yellow gold from antique stickpin Marks: None Condition: Excellent