Walter Lampl Hardstone Cameo Mexico Eagle & Serpent Ring
This magnificent black and white onyx hardstone cameo was skillfully carved to depict the national symbol of Mexico - a golden eagle clasping a rattlesnake in its talons. The carving is exquisitely detailed, with amazing attention to the eagle's feathers, eye, and beak. The ring band is ornately engraved in the Victorian Revival style. Marked WL 14K. This spectacular appears to date to the early years of World War II when Victorian styles enjoyed a huge popularity, and when Lampl moved much of his manufacturing to Mexico because of manufacturing limitations in the United States. The rich yellow gold has a very slight rosy tinge which deepens and softens the color and is consistent with the Victorian Revival style. Hardstone cameos such as this one are highly prized for their durability. Unlike shell cameos, which are soft, these pieces can endure many years of regular wear without the carving losing definition. Greater skill is required in their carving, as well, and the artist who created this cameo was a master. This ring has been resized in the past, a modification that is difficult to detect without lighted magnification. There are no other signs of wear or use. This is a very important and rare example of Walter Lampl’s fine jewelry.
Size 6-1/4.
This magnificent black and white onyx hardstone cameo was skillfully carved to depict the national symbol of Mexico - a golden eagle clasping a rattlesnake in its talons. The carving is exquisitely detailed, with amazing attention to the eagle's feathers, eye, and beak. The ring band is ornately engraved in the Victorian Revival style. Marked WL 14K. This spectacular appears to date to the early years of World War II when Victorian styles enjoyed a huge popularity, and when Lampl moved much of his manufacturing to Mexico because of manufacturing limitations in the United States. The rich yellow gold has a very slight rosy tinge which deepens and softens the color and is consistent with the Victorian Revival style. Hardstone cameos such as this one are highly prized for their durability. Unlike shell cameos, which are soft, these pieces can endure many years of regular wear without the carving losing definition. Greater skill is required in their carving, as well, and the artist who created this cameo was a master. This ring has been resized in the past, a modification that is difficult to detect without lighted magnification. There are no other signs of wear or use. This is a very important and rare example of Walter Lampl’s fine jewelry.
Size 6-1/4.
This magnificent black and white onyx hardstone cameo was skillfully carved to depict the national symbol of Mexico - a golden eagle clasping a rattlesnake in its talons. The carving is exquisitely detailed, with amazing attention to the eagle's feathers, eye, and beak. The ring band is ornately engraved in the Victorian Revival style. Marked WL 14K. This spectacular appears to date to the early years of World War II when Victorian styles enjoyed a huge popularity, and when Lampl moved much of his manufacturing to Mexico because of manufacturing limitations in the United States. The rich yellow gold has a very slight rosy tinge which deepens and softens the color and is consistent with the Victorian Revival style. Hardstone cameos such as this one are highly prized for their durability. Unlike shell cameos, which are soft, these pieces can endure many years of regular wear without the carving losing definition. Greater skill is required in their carving, as well, and the artist who created this cameo was a master. This ring has been resized in the past, a modification that is difficult to detect without lighted magnification. There are no other signs of wear or use. This is a very important and rare example of Walter Lampl’s fine jewelry.
Size 6-1/4.