Mid-Victorian Cornucopia Pendant
Interesting Victorian pendant, styled after a cornucopia or 'horn of plenty'. The body of the horn is crafted from vibrant red-orange glass, while the caps and chain are made from 9ct gold. Cornucopia are a symbol of abundance and nourishment, styled after the horn-shaped baskets traditionally used in western Asia and Europe to hold and carry harvested produce.
The symbology of the cornucopia has endured since antiquity, with the best known origin being the nurturing of infant Zeus by the goat Amaltheia ("Nourishing Goddess"), whilst in hiding from his devouring cannibal father Cronus. Displaying his great strength at an early age, the baby Zeus accidentally broke off one of Amaltheia's horns whilst nursing, which then became imbued with the divine power to provide infinite nourishment, as the foster mother had to the god.
The symbol of the cornucopia became attributed to several Greek and Roman deities over time, particularly those associated with, prosperity, abundance and harvest, such as personifications of Earth (Gaia or Terra); Plutus, god of riches and son of the grain goddess Demeter; and Fortuna, the goddess of luck, who had the power to grant prosperity. Roman deities who fostered peace and prosperity were also depicted with a cornucopia, including Abundantia, "Abundance" personified, and Annona, goddess of the grain supply to the city of Rome. Hades, the classical ruler of the underworld, was a giver of agricultural, mineral and spiritual wealth, and in art often holds a cornucopia.
-Wikipedia
Era: Victorian, circa 1880
Size: 3.2cm by 1.2cm (not including chain)
Stone: Glass
Marks: None, tested as 9ct gold
Condition: Good antique condition
Full appraisal document provided with each item
This includes a valuation for insurance purposes, item specifics, date, and origins (where applicable)
Gemstones are tested by an accredited gemmologist (Cert GA, Gemmological Association of Great Britain)
Shipping
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Tracked and insured with signature on delivery
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Layaway
A 25% deposit will be taken to secure the item. The remaining balance will be settled in 90 days. You can pay installments weekly, monthly, or the full balance at the end - whatever works.
Condition
We offer detailed and accurate condition reports on each listing. These pieces are antique, vintage, or pre-loved, often over 100 years old so they're going to have lived a life. A healthy patina and the odd scuff/scrape are quite normal... it's part of their charm! Everything we present has been checked over by our jeweller and should be good for wear for many years to come (unless otherwise stated) but please remember to treat them with appropriate care and consideration for their age.
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