Lava Cameo cufflinks Hermes cufflinks Mythology Cufflinks Vintage Miniature Art Cuff gold Accessory 1/20 12kt gold filled son of zeus

These large carved lava Cameo of Hermes would look beautifully worn on any wedding or formal wear attire. Hermes, the herald of the Olympian gods, is the son of Zeus and the nymph Maia, daughter of Atlas and one of the Pleiades. Hermes is the god of shepherds, land travel, merchants, weights and measures, oratory, literature, athletics and thieves, and known for his cunning and shrewdness. Most importantly, he is the messenger of the gods. Besides that he was also a minor patron of poetry. He was worshiped throughout Greece -- especially in Arcadia -- and festivals in his honor were called Hermoea. Being the herald (messenger of the gods), it was his duty to guide the souls of the dead down to the underworld, which is known as a psychopomp. He was also closely connected with bringing dreams to mortals. Hermes is usually depicted with a broad-brimmed hat or a winged cap, winged sandals and the heralds staff (kerykeion in Greek, or Caduceus in Latin). It was Hermes who liberated Io, the lover of Zeus, from the hundred-eyed giant Argus, who had been ordered by Hera, the jealous wife of Zeus, to watch over her. Hermes charmed the giant with his flute, and while Argos slept Hermes cut off his head and released Io. Hera, as a gesture of thanks to her loyal servant, scattered the hundred eyes of Argos over the tail of a peacock (Heras' sacred bird). Hermes also used his ingenuity and abilities to persuade the nymph Calypso to release Odysseus, the wandering hero, from her charms. She had kept Odysseus captive, after he was shipwrecked on her island Ogygia, promising him immortality if he married her, but Zeus sent Hermes to release Odysseus. Legend says that Calypso died of grief when Odysseus sailed away. Hermes also saved Odysseus and his men from being transformed into pigs by the goddess and sorceress Circe. He gave them a herb which resisted the spell. Hermes also guided Eurydice back down to the underworld after she had been allowed to stay for one day on earth with her husband Orpheus. Known for his swiftness and athleticism, Hermes was given credit for inventing foot-racing and boxing. At Olympia a statue of him stood at the entrance to the stadium and his statues where in every gymnasium throughout Greece. Apart from herms, Hermes was a popular subject for artists. Both painted pottery and statuary show him in various forms, but the most fashionable depicted him as a good-looking young man, with an athletic body, and winged sandals and his heralds staff. His Roman counterpart Mercury inherited his attributes, and there are many Roman copies of Greek artistic creations of Hermes. If you need a gift idea that shows you took the time to care, what better way to give a gift than something unique and vintage. Here is something for that special person that has everything! Not only is it a unique idea because it is Vintage and not something you can buy everyday, but it is something they will know you took the time to find just for them. What a thoughtful gift or perhaps just a perfect addition to a collection. And while you are shopping for someone else, take a peek at some pieces you like because we carry mens and womens jewelry and a lot of neat old collectibles. And we all know you can never have enough jewelry! The pieces we carry are unique and interesting and may have a little wear ( if any) but they sure have a lot of love that came with them when they were first purchased way back when. All jewelry is boxed for gift giving. Just say the word and we will wrap it and put a beautiful bow on it for you at no extra charge . All you have to do it watch them smile and enjoy their specially gift. ∆ Maker: unknown ∆ Material: lava, 1/20 12kt gold filled ∆ Size: see photo ∆ Weight: ( based on other cufflinks in comparison) medium ∆ Condition: Because these are vintage estate pieces and are vintage and possibly pre-worn so they are not considered new from the factory. Please see photos for any wear or light surface scratches that come with age. .Sold as is and priced accordingly.. ∆ Lovely patina! These are part of a MASSIVE estate collection of cufflinks and jewelry so be sure to check out our other items here: https://www.etsy.com/shop/NeatstuffAntiques?section_id=all We don’t polish these previously owned well loved pieces so we can keep the original patina. We try and photograph all of the pieces next to a ruler so you can see the actual size. All jewelry sold as found. NOTE TO BUYER: We Do not offer engraving services of any sorts as we are not equipped to do so I’m sure your local jeweler would be happy to do so, sorry for any inconvenience thank you. All cufflinks ( unless otherwise specified) are considered costume jewelry. We use the descriptions of any stones from the manufacturers titles when they were first produced. When we refer to the stones as moonstone or jade or garnet, for example, we are using how the original manufacturer of the pieces used them. We cannot guarantee the authenticity of a stone in a costume piece of jewelry. All pieces have been worn at least one time unless otherwise specified. ***ATTENTION!*** Shipping rates for domestic and international delivery have skyrocketed! I have adjusted the shipping rates accordingly. We ship priority mail ( in the U.S.) with insurance on orders over $20.00. If you wish to have another method of delivery (i.e. First Class International) PLEASE convo me before placing your order. My goal is to save both of us money on shipping. July11, 2015