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 and the rich yellow gold has a very slight rosy tinge which deepens and softens the color, consistent with the Victorian Revival style so popular during the early years of World War II when Lampl moved much of his manufacturing to Mexico because of manufacturing limitations in the United States. Marked WL 14K.
Hardstone cameos such as this 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 compared to shell and the artist who created this cameo was a master. This is a very important and rare example of Walter Lampl’s fine jewelry.
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.
Ring face measures 11/16 inches by 7/8 inch - slightly less than 3/4 inch by almost 1 inch. Ring size is 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 and the rich yellow gold has a very slight rosy tinge which deepens and softens the color, consistent with the Victorian Revival style so popular during the early years of World War II when Lampl moved much of his manufacturing to Mexico because of manufacturing limitations in the United States. Marked WL 14K.
Hardstone cameos such as this 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 compared to shell and the artist who created this cameo was a master. This is a very important and rare example of Walter Lampl’s fine jewelry.
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.
Ring face measures 11/16 inches by 7/8 inch - slightly less than 3/4 inch by almost 1 inch. Ring size is 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 and the rich yellow gold has a very slight rosy tinge which deepens and softens the color, consistent with the Victorian Revival style so popular during the early years of World War II when Lampl moved much of his manufacturing to Mexico because of manufacturing limitations in the United States. Marked WL 14K.
Hardstone cameos such as this 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 compared to shell and the artist who created this cameo was a master. This is a very important and rare example of Walter Lampl’s fine jewelry.
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.
Ring face measures 11/16 inches by 7/8 inch - slightly less than 3/4 inch by almost 1 inch. Ring size is 6-1/4.