Item: Demeter (or Ceres),  goddess of harvest and bounty

Reference #: 7617

Status: sold

Dimensions: approx. 1.5 inches by 2 inches

Condition: excellent, cameo is perfect

Year: 1860-80 

Description: The carving of this cameo has some very unique aspects. 
 Please note the fish at the bottom of the cameo, symbolizing the underworld; and the wheat in her hair, which symbolizes the promise of a bountiful harvest.  The frame of this cameo is 9kt. yellow gold.  
The legend behind the goddess Demeter is a particularly touching one.  Her daughter, Persephone, was kidnapped by a smitten Hades, god of the underworld.  Demeter relentlessly searched heaven and earth for her daughter; her love and devotion to her daughter boundless!
In researching this cameo, I found a paragraph that so aptly describes Demeter:  

"The story of Greek goddess Demeter illustrates the tremendous capacity of a woman to love and nurture, within her own family and the world at large.   It also reminds us to stand firm for what is good and right, even in the face of adversity, when powerful forces are aligned against us.  The goddess Demeter's message also reminds us of the seasons of a woman's life, that even though there are times of great sorrow there is also great joy to be found." 

This paragraph was taken from:

http://www.goddessgift.com/goddess-myths/greek_goddess_demeter.htm   Please visit this site to read much more on Demeter and other Greek gods/goddesses.