SOLD- Antique 14K & Carved Shell Cameo Brooch

A cameo is a form of glyptography, or bas-relief carving, most often cut into glass, hard-stones, and shells. Artworks were crafted to create two layers on one piece of material, the top of which protruded from its background, creating a multi-dimensional artwork. These detailed reliefs were often used to adorn pieces of jewelry, including brooches, necklaces, bracelets and rings. The earliest cameos took inspiration from prehistoric petroglyphs, which documented important religious and symbolic iconography onto rock faces.

Despite its popularity in previous periods, the most well-known era for cameo collection was the 19th century, inspired by royal cameo collectors Queen Victoria and Emperor Napoleon Buonaparte. Shelled cameos, which depicted these natural and humanistic scenes onto deep-sea shells, became quite popular under Queen Victoria’s reign. Similarly, Napoleon himself founded a Parisian apprentice school to foster the talents of young cameo carvers. 

This glorious cameo brooch depicts a gorgeous woman in such high relief, she is positively bursting from within her golden frame! Flowing locks and a dreamy expression add to her sensuality. Wearing earrings and a necklace (don't you just love it when your jewelry has jewelry on?), she is the epitome of Beauty, and we have named her just that!

Details (approximate)

Dimensions: 1 3/4"

Weight: 13 grams

Materials: Gold, Carved Shell Cameo

Metal: 14K yellow gold

Marks: None

Condition: Excellent Antique condition commensurate with age and wear

Circa early 1900s