According to Ovid's Ars Amatoria, Ariadne fell in love with the most hedonistic being to walk in the mortal fray, Bacchus himself. Often shown on her wedding day, cameoic depictions of Ariadne will see her crowned with a diadem of grapes and flowers. In Titian's 1823 painting of Ariadne's chance meeting with Bacchus, he indicates their wedding with the Corona Borealis constellation, which in classical mythology, was the outcome of her ultimate mortality; her wedding diadem was thrown into the sky, Bacchus rendering her into stars when she died. Perhaps the ultimate tale of a good-girl-gone-bad; we rarely find Ariadne in Edwardian portraits, but when we do, I always take notice. This gorgeous example is set in 14ct gold, and would be well fitted on a chain or a ribbon, or lovingly worn as a brooch. 

Materials: 14k, lava 

Age/Origin: c.1880

Measurements: 21.2 grams

 Condition; Excellent historical condition, there is one fault line on the reverse but it does not interrupt the carving in any way.

Please view and inspect any photos closely. We endeavor to fully disclose all condition information clearly and concisely, however, please note that what qualifies as excellent condition for historical jewelry differs from modern and contemporary pieces; please take the age of the piece into account when examining the piece. Minor age wear is typical and to be expected for antique and vintage jewelry. Unless otherwise stated, gemstones have not been officially graded for color, clarity, or treatment by GIA; any information provided is our own educated, professional assessment.