Antique Etruscan Revival earrings gold hardstone cameos snakes Hermes gods(7571)

Antique Victorian Etruscan Revival earrings ear clips. Gold and hardstone cameos. Cameos almost certainly carved in Italy. Gold could be Italian or English from the Etruscan Revival period - circa 1880. 
Non-pierced ears.
 

Measurements: Weight is 9.9 grams. Diameter slightly under an inch (2.5cm).  

Description :

Round earrings. The mounts are in bright gold Etruscan Revival gold work: Finely braided, twisted and beaded concentric rings - very fine granulation and wirework. The trend for exquisite gold work was an effort to emulate the Ancient Etruscans, who were the ultimate masters of these techniques. The quest to follow in their footsteps was studied and begun by Fortunato Pio Castellani and his family in Rome and then by Carlo Giuliano, his pupil, who later forged his own business in London, England.  
The centers are hardstone cameos: white carved down to the black ground. Gods portraits in profile. They depict a true pair - one looks left and one looks right, believed to be the Classic god Mercury or Hermes as evidenced by the winged head-dress and snakes. The features of the two heads are somewhat different with one looking directly in front of him and one with slightly bent head. Hair also not identical, but the quality and detail of the carving in both cases are outstanding. Masterful sculpture with a smoothe Classic profile and wonderful curling locks, the above-mentioned wings and of course, the writhing snakes around and above the heads. 
The earrings have been expertly altered to suit a wearer without pierced ears. They snap closed beautifully - no expense was spared in doing this work. 

Marks and Metal:

As mentioned, no marks found. Earrings were electronically tested as 14k gold. Expertly replaced clips use 10k for greater strength and security. 
     

Condition:

Good with minor wear commensurate with age. A spot of gold slightly worn on one earring not visible unless you are looking for it is mentioned for the sake of accuracy and shown highly enlarged in the 'photos.  Please see  pictures and don't hesitate to ask questions which we will do our best to answer.   

THE STORY:

During the 19th century, Castellani became passionate in his efforts to emulate the Ancient Etruscans, who preceded the ancient Greeks. He took years to discover suitable methods of goldwork in creating granulation and filigree work similar to theirs. An entire museum in Rome is dedicated to the Ancient Etruscans with a large body of work by the Castellani family. 
Part of the Classic Revival obsession was a great interest in cameos as produced by the Ancient Greeks and Romans. Italians, notably Romans, began producing comparable or even better carved cameos. These were worked into jewelry both in Italy and other countries. When we see fabulous carved cameos, we can be sure that most of them originated in Italy, regardless of where the mount or setting was completed.
We would not be surprised to learn that this pair of earrings was made by someone like Castellani, but in the absence of a signature, we cannot make this claim. We can claim equivalent quality and standards of beauty.