Grand Tour "Night & Day" Demi-Parure
Night and Day passing near greet one another as they cross the great bronze threshold. The one is about to go in and the other is going out the door, and never does the house hold them both inside, but always the one goes out from the house and passes over the earth, while the other in turn remaining inside the house waits for the time of her own departure, until it comes. The one holds much-seeing light for those on the earth, but the other holds Sleep in her hands, the brother of Death—deadly Night, shrouded in murky cloud. - Hesiod, Theogony (748-757)
An exquisite Italian demi-parure dating from the Grant Tour period, circa 1850. The suite comprises earrings and a brooch set with superb bull's mouth cameos depicting Nyx and Eos - night and day - on the brooch, and Bacchantes with grapes and vine leaves in their hair on the earrings. They're mounted in gilt metal with ropetwist borders and presented in the original (and rather wonderful) fitted box. Made in Rome to be taken home as a souvenir.
Nyx and Eos: night and day. The two classical deities here rendered in fantastic detail, with their respective companion symbols... Nyx with her sleep-inducing poppies, crescent moon, and veil, and eyes her eyes are closed; Eos with her dove, floral headdress, radiant crown, and looking up to greet the sun.
Era: Victorian, circa 1850
Brooch: 5.6cm by 4.5cm
Earrings: 6.5cm (from top of ear wire) by 1.6cm
Stone: Bull's Mouth Shell
Marks: None, tested as gilt metal (ear wires tested as 15ct gold)
Condition: Good antique condition; light wear consistent with age. There is a small crack to the top of one of the earring drop cameos.
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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).
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[Last updated: 28th February 2026]
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Layaway
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Condition
We offer detailed and accurate condition reports on each listing. These pieces are antique, vintage, or pre-loved and often over 100 years old so they're going to have lived a life. A healthy patina and the odd scuff or scrape is 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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