DATE: Georgian, c.1820

Love Conquers All. An exquisite Georgian cameo brooch dating from the early 19th century, circa 1820. The subject, commonly referred to as love conquers all, depicts cupid/eros riding on the back of a lion - presumably having tamed (or conquered) the beast. The carving is exceptionally well detailed and executed, mounted on a slab of rock crystal set in a two-tone gold mount with floral and foliate decoration.

Cupid riding a lion is one of the oldest, and most romantically charged, cameo subjects with known examples dating back to antiquity. An alternate depiction shows cupid riding on the back of a dolphin, presumed to represent Apollo's love for Daphne.

STONES 

Hardstone & Rock Crystal

MEASUREMENTS 

3.5 x 3.1cm

WEIGHT 

8.2g

MARKS 

No marks present, tests as 15k gold

CONDITION 

Good, the rock crystal a couple surface fissures.