2 Vestals - Roman Goddess of Home & Family Museum Quality Vermeil Brooch, circa 1890

Scene of 2 Vestals - Roman Virgin Goddess of hearts, home & family making sacrifices. Vesta’s pres-ence is symbolized by the sacred fire that burned at her hearth and temples. Her closest Greek equivalent is Hestia. It was from this that the Vestales were named the Vestal virgins. They could not show excessive care of their person, and they were not allowed to let the fire go out. Victorian Vintage carved in Carnelian Shell around 1890, set in Vermeil (gold over sterling silver - no marks) with fabulous Brooch bezel. Museum quality of carving. Very good condition. Total measurement 2” by 1-1/2” or 51mm. by 38 mm. Weight of this beauty is 16.64 gr .