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Antique Carved Lava Bracelet with Animal Heads

$3,675.00
$3,675.00
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Product Info

This spectacular antique bracelet features a pair of lava stone lions grasping a carved, domed disk. This central piece also contains the bracelet clasp. The entire bracelet is carved from lava stone and has rose gold fittings. Lava jewelry like this bracelet were popular souvenirs of Italy during a European Grand Tour of the 19th century.

Lava stone is a fairly delicate material and not many of these bracelets have survived. This bracelet has had a few repairs and modifications made over its long life. The swag chains are a later addition and are gold-filled, not gold like the rest of the fittings, and the gold bands that wrap the long curved sections of the bracelet likely hide a repair or repairs to the lava. In addition, the wire loops at the hinge are additions, probably added to lengthen the bracelet. Despite these repairs, this is a remarkable bracelet and a collector's item.

See below for more details

Call 510-290-1747 or

email LisaKramerVintage@gmail.com

  • Materials:

    Lava stone and 9-10 karat gold (except the swag chains which were a later addition and are gold filled)

  • Size:

    The interior circumference is approximately 6-1/2"

  • Marks:

    On the tongue of the clasp there are two marks: "ZT" in a rectangle, probably the maker's mark; and a rectangular mark with a right-facing head, a 6 or 9, and an unidentified symbol.

  • Age:

    mid-19th century. The bracelet has some hallmarks, but not the Italian marks used after Italian unification in 1872, so it predates 1872

  • Condition:

    The swag chains are a later addition and are gold-filled, not gold like the rest of the fittings, and the gold bands that wrap the long curved sections of the bracelet likely hide a repair or repairs to the lava. In addition, the wire loops at the hinge are additions, probably added to lengthen the bracelet. Despite these repairs, this is a remarkable bracelet and a collector's item

  • Sku:

    LK8086