Vintage Athena Cameo Pendant
A vintage silver cameo pendant depicting Athena. Athena was goddess of Wisdom and War. As a warrior goddess and protector of cities, she was closely associated with Nike, goddess of victory - although, unlike the war god Ares, she had no interest in violence for its own sake (her wisdom part on full display here). She represented a more 'civilised' or 'intellectual' side of war - her virtues of justice and skill - in sharp contrast with Ares, the least respected of the twelve Olympian gods, who represented blood-lust and brute force. She was the goddess of good council, to kings and warrior-heroes alike, encouraging prudent restraint and practical insight. She was the also the patron of artisans, craftsmen, and the household handicrafts such as spinning and weaving.
According to myth, her birth was, to say the least, remarkable. On hearing a prophecy that his own children would some day become greater than he himself, Zeus took a leaf out of his own father, Cronus's, book, and swallowed Athena's mother (the pregnant Titaness Metis) whole. Shortly thereafter, Zeus began to suffer a series of blinding headaches which became so unbearable that he ordered Hephaestus to split his forehead open with an axe. And out sprang Athena, fully grown and fully armed.
Athena's main temple was the Parthenon in Athens, the great city to which she lent her name. She was usually depicted in full armour, Corinthian helmet pushed back to show her stern and beautiful face, spear in hand, and the aegis, the goat hide shield loaned to her by Zeus, by her side.
Built in sterling silver with London hallmarks from 1981.
Era: Vintage, 1981
Size: 2.4cm by 1.8cm
Hallmarks: English, London, sterling silver, 1981
Condition: Great vintage condition
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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)
Shipping
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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, 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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