Time Dances By - Cameos and Ivory Jewelry

Item:	Description:	Price:
CA120	FLORA – MISTRESS OF THE FLOWERS CAMEO ( Victorian Jewelry Shell Cameo Brooch / Pin ): This breathtaking Victorian hand carved shell Cameo is the perfect way to welcome spring or any other season. (c. 1890-1900) The Roman goddess Flora, “Mistress of the Flowers”, symbolizes new life, spring, regeneration and hope. In this good sized Antique Shell Cameo, a crown of roses and forget-me-not blossoms trail all the way down past her shoulders. Carved in high relief, all of the details leap out from the surface. This cameo is actually carved in a delicate subtle pink/peach colored shell with skillful use of dark brown layers within the shell to add color to the flowers she wears in her hair. There is a hint of draperies at her shoulders and don’t miss the tiny strand of perfect pearls. Truly a stunning work of art. Probable English, this blushing beauty is set into a fine 15KT gold frame with a fine wirework bezel and graceful twisted decoration around the edge. Both the pin stem and C clasp closure are in excellent working order. The tiny loop at the top is for a safety chain, but if you are clever you could insert a tiny “O” ring to make this brooch wearable as a pendant or necklace as well. What a perfect gift for a bride! Soft, delicate and beguiling, this cameo is very subtle and delicate while retaining the “WOW” factor. Condition: Excellent. Size: Medium. 1 7/8” high, 1 3/4" wide, 3/8” deep.	SOLD!
CA122	CAMEO SOUVENIER OF POMPEII ( Victorian Jewelry Lava Cameo Brooch / Pin ): Victorians had a passion for travel and heading the list of tourist sights were the newly uncovered ruins of Pompeii. Tourists, then as now, were of a single mind when it came to taking home souvenirs to remind them of their holiday and lava Cameos from Mount Vesuvius became the mementos of choice. This large hand carved Lava Cameo depicts a superb profile portrait of Dionysius (Greek) or Bacchus (Roman) the god of wine wearing a crown of grapes, vines and leaves. (c. 1860-80) His cult of mysticism with its elements of revelry and wine was extremely popular, attracting a wild band of attendant revelers – playing music and dancing with abandonment. Once his culture was secure he went to live on Mount Olympus. Despite his reputation for drunken orgies, Dionysius was a kind god. His attribute was the vine (the ambrosial plant) and the animals associated with him were the panther, bull and goat. He is sometimes shown holding a theatre mask symbolizing the link between Dionysius and the development of Greek Theatre. This Victorian carving appears quite serene and calm. Victorian carvers often toned down subjects like this and Medusa so as not to offend Victorian ladies who found anything too wild to be distasteful. The color of this Antique Lava Cameo is a very pale shade of khaki (greenish beige). The very 3 dimensional carving remains very crisp. It’s set in a silver twist ribbon mount with a replacement C clasp, hinge and pin stem. It’s unusual to find a male cameo subject, but this one is a significantly large and dramatic piece of art / jewelry. Condition: Excellent. No loss. There are a few superficial scratches, not visible to the naked eye. Size: Large. 2 1/8” high, 1 7/8” wide, 1/2" deep.	$600.00
CA121	SWEETER THAN WINE CAMEO ( Victorian Jewelry Shell Cameo Brooch / Pin ): This is one spectacular Bacchante hand carved from shell and set in 9KT gold. (c. 1890) Lavish and intricate in its every detail, this cameo depicts a Bacchante, one of the female followers of Bacchus, the Roman god of wine and fertility. Examine closely the complex and delicate carving of hair, grapes and grape leaves as they trail through her hair, cascading over her shoulders and onto her dress. The clusters of grapes define the high points of her forehead and neck, ending at her neckline. Tiny strands of pearls rest on her neck. Truly an Antique Cameo of superb quality! There is a C clasp pin back and a silver replacement pin stem. The C clasp has been soldered for security. There is a tiny ring at the top that was made for a safety chain. Graceful and feminine, the lady herself has an ivory cast that provides a mellow softness. Everything about this cameo speaks of quality – not to be missed! Condition: Excellent. A few tiny stress marks that cannot be seen by the naked eye. Size: Large. 2 1/4" high, 1 3/4" wide, 1/4" deep.	$675.00
IV064	IVORY PORTRAIT CAMEO ( Edwardian Jewelry Ivory Cameo Necklace & Pendant ): When I am shopping for Cameos I always watch for unusual pieces to add to my offerings. I have never seen an Antique Ivory Cameo Necklace quite like this piece. (c. 1900-20 Edwardian-Art Nouveau) The large oval pendant appears to be a portrait Cameo – hand carved to depict a historical figure. Such pieces featured representations of individuals such as Shakespeare, Mary – Queen of Scots, and included Romantic poets and novelists. The dress and hair style of the lady carved here is possibly Georgian. Certainly it has not been Victorianized. The edge of the pendant has a carved beaded surround with the bale also carved from Ivory. The bale has a center line carved into it. The necklace is made of carved oblong and round ivory beads with a tubular twist fastener. The ivory has a lovely patina and the grain is clearly seen. This may be a one-of-a-kind cameo necklace. Ivory has become much coveted by collectors and prices are climbing rapidly. This portrait Cameo with its own very special look can be worn with denim or lace – proclaim your own sense of style! Condition: Excellent. Size: Large. Pendant 2 1/4" high (3” with bale), 1 3/4" wide, 1/4" deep. Necklace is approximately 30” long.	SOLD!
CA123	BEGUILING BEADED BEAUTY ( Vintage Jewelry Cameo Brooch / Pin ): This fanciful vintage Cameo is probably made of molded ground glass. My guess is that it was made somewhere around 1930-40. The brooch appears to depict the Greek goddess Demeter. A regal deity, she wears a crown of wheat sheaves. A beneficent earth goddess, Demeter made everything grow and ripen. A kind and gently goddess, she was also associated with fertility and newly married couples often received gifts of wheat. In this portrait she wears a beaded necklace which matches the scalloped beaded setting resembling lace. The lavish use of beaded and pearl work is accented by tiny coral colored beads at each of the corners. The backing is made of fabric and the safety clasp pin back is sewed on. The setting was made separately and then the cameo was placed in the center. Light and delicate, this unusual cameo is a pretty example of hand work that must have been labor intensive. A great gift item or keep it and enjoy adding a “special” treasure to your jewelry box. Condition: Excellent. A few of the larger pearls have lost some nacre coating, but not visible to the naked eye. Size: Medium. 1 3/4" high, 1 1/2” wide, 3/8” deep. Measurements include the beaded setting.	$25.00
CA119	NIGHT & DAY IN A DIFFERENT WAY ( Victorian Jewelry Shell Cameo Brooch): It was not uncommon in the Victorian age to see mixed mythological themes not usually grouped together, or literary themes just for the fun of it. This is an unusual hand carved Victorian shell Cameo brooch depicting a lovely goddess representing Night (the poppy she is holding) & Day (the bird she is holding) while extending up above the clouds - representing her immortality. (c. 1840) It is the first time that I have seen a single figure combining the symbols of night and day. The carving is exceptionally fine – the tiny string she holds the bird by is just perfect. If you look closely at the bird you can see its head and beak pointed outwards. The Cameo has a light and playful quality about it. I think that this is one of those rare Cameos displaying an original scenario of the very popular and highly coveted “Day and Night”. She is set in a high carat (14 - 18KT) elaborate gold setting decorated with double scrolls, golden orbs and lovely engraving all the way around. It is a hollow-ware frame with the original C clasp & extended pin stem. I love the way the golden color plays off of the soft brown of the shell. This is a delightful and exquisite antique Cameo that a true collector will appreciate. What a perfect gift for someone – maybe YOU! Condition: Excellent. Mild wear to back of hollow-ware frame, a few minor separations, not visible from the front. Size: 2 1/4" high, 1 7/8" wide, 1/4" deep. Cameo - 1 3/4" high, 1 1/2"wide, 1 ¼” deep.	$1400.00
CA116	JET WIND-SWEPT POSEIDON ( Victorian Jewelry Jet Poseidon Cameo Brooch ): Here is a majestic hand carved Antique Whitby Jet Cameo of the Roman god, Neptune, also known as Poseidon in Greek mythology. Carved in profile, this view of the Wind-Swept Sea god is facing left, indicating a master carver. (c. 1860-80) The mighty and handsome god is pictured with the sea wind flowing through his long locks, giving the appearance of waves. The expression on his face is strong and resolute. Poseidon reigned over the seas and oceans. It was a domain well suited to the ill-tempered, volatile god who sent calm seas if feeling beneficent, but caused storms and earthquakes when enraged. This regal carving shows Poseidon with a headband in his flowing hair. I believe that part of his hair forms a dolphin (see photos), but it does take some imagination. The oval setting is thick polished jet. The backing is a plate of plain silver with a C clasp closure. You can see the rivets holding the plate to the cameo. Jet itself is very light, but the silver plate gives it extra weight. Poseidon is a rare Cameo subject and an exciting find. Jet makes it even more highly coveted. A fiery god, full of power and majesty, this volatile god, Poseidon, demands to be noticed. A perfect cameo for women attracted to strong mythological images. Not for the timid! Condition: Excellent. No cracks or chips. Size: 2” high, 1 1/8” wide, 3/4” deep.	$900.00
CA117	TRIPLE EMBODIMENT OF GRACE & BEAUTY ( Vintage Jewelry Three Graces Cameo Earrings ): It is very difficult to find pretty Cameo Earrings without spending a small fortune. I was lucky to find this impressive pair of earrings with double cameos of The Three Graces displayed in each earring. Set in 14KT gold with pierced ear wires, a large oval Cameo is suspended from a smaller oval. (c. 1960-70) They are free swinging and look fabulous when worn. In Greek mythology the three goddesses of joy, charm & beauty were known as The Three Graces. The daughters of Zeus, the Graces presided over banquets, dances and all other pleasurable social events. They brought joy and goodwill to both gods and mortals. The Graces were rarely treated as individuals, but always together as a kind of triple embodiment of grace and beauty. In art, they are usually represented as lithe young maidens dancing in a circle. These Three Graces (also known as the Charities), draperies swirling, stand with their arms on each other’s shoulders, facing each other. This shows that their gifts were given, shared and returned. Nicely carved, and rare to find two Cameos in each ear, these elegant ladies are real charmers. One of the open backs is scratch-signed, but indecipherable. Delicate, but dramatic, these are the kind of beauties you can pass on to your family as a remembrance of caring and sharing. I love the way they dance in your ears. Condition: Excellent. Size: 2 1/4" long, 1” wide.	$550.00
CA108	NECTAR FOR THE GODS ( Victorian Jewelry Shell Hebe Cameo Pin / Pendant ): This very large and remarkable hand carved Cameo of Hebe and the Eagle (c. 1870-80) offers you the opportunity to add an outstanding pendant/pin to your collection. I have had many requests for pendants and they are very difficult to find! Hebe was a goddess of youth, the personification of eternal beauty. The daughter of Zeus and Hera, her role was cupbearer to the gods, serving them nectar as they feasted on Mount Olympus. Nectar was the god’s elixir of immortality. Hebe is frequently portrayed on Nineteenth Century Cameos serving nectar to Zeus, from a bowl. Zeus is shown here in the guise of an eagle. This cameo is set in a silver gilt (solid silver with a gilt wash) mount for wear as a brooch or with a ribbed hinged bail to wear as a pendant. The carving is superb – every feather is clearly delineated. Hebe sits among the clouds holding the bowl of nectar in her left hand and the pitcher it is poured from in her right hand. The face of the goddess is very delicately rendered (she faces left) and she even has tiny toes! The carving was done by a master, able to use the colored layers of the shell to accent and highlight important areas. All of the elements appear to swirl in a circular pattern – adding life to the subject. The back has a trombone clasp (a two part sliding tubular safety closing) and the mount is marked “800”. Quite grand in scale and regal in design, this Antique Cameo Pendant/Brooch is a marvel of skill and artistry. Condition: Excellent. Faint striations to the top edge. A few other natural striation marks visible from the back, but not the front. Size: Large. 2 5/8” high, 2 1/4" wide, curved shell 1/2" deep.	$1200.00
CA107	FLORA BRINGS SPRING ( Victorian Jewelry Shell Cameo Brooch / Pin ): This lovely hand carved Victorian Cameo Brooch depicts Flora, the Roman goddess of flowers and the season of Spring. (c. 1880) This “mistress of the flowers” symbolizes new life, spring, regeneration and hope. (A very busy lady!) In this Antique Cameo daisies, roses and delicate leaves have been daintily carved into her hair. Look at the serene beauty of her facial features. The Sterling Silver setting for this bezel set Flora is quite unusual. Wonderful swirls and scrolls provide a luxurious lacy frame work of cool elegance. There is a C clasp closure and a tiny ring for a safety chain on the back. The captivating silver setting gives this “Flora” a very feminine touch. Something beautiful and different for the lady who is seeking “that perfect Cameo”. Condition: Excellent. Size: 2 5/8” high, 2” wide, 3/8” deep. Cameo alone is 1 5/8” high, 1 1/4” wide.	$475.00
CA104	NEPTUNE / POSEIDON, RULER OF THE SEAS ( Victorian Jewelry Shell Cameo Brooch / Pin ): This is a majestic left facing (more rare) hand carved Antique Shell Cameo brooch of the Roman god, Neptune, also known as Poseidon in Greek mythology. He is shown holding his symbolic trident staff and looking out over the sea. (c. 1880-90) The mighty and handsome Neptune is pictured with the sea breeze flowing through his long locks. The expression on his face is strong and resolute. His hair and beard show a skilled carver’s hand – the front locks of his hair have a wave-like appearance. Neptune reigned over the seas and oceans. He was an ill-tempered, volatile god who sent calm seas if feeling beneficent, but caused storms and earthquakes when enraged. Bezel set in a tested 9KT gold mount with textured cable-work and beading at the edge, the setting is a perfect complement for the carving. The initials of the jewelry artist are on the back of the setting – “J?G”. The original brooch C clasp is still in place as is the safety chain. Neptune is a rare cameo subject and an exciting find. Full of majesty and power, this windswept god commands attention and demands to be noticed. Not for the timid! Condition: Very good. A few striations, the result of the natural drying of the shell. Not visible to the naked eye, only seen under magnification. Size: 2” high, 1 ¾” wide, 3/8” deep.	$650.00
CA102	ALLEGORY OF HOPE ( Victorian Jewelry Shell Cameo Brooch / Pin ): I am pleased to offer this fabulous quality Victorian Shell Cameo Brooch, beautifully hand carved to depict a goddess / maiden holding a large anchor – the allegory for Hope. (c. 1860-80) Victorians loved allegorical symbols and “Hope” was a protection against illness and death, so common in the 19th Century. Childbirth, plague, wars and diseases that we commonly treat today, such as appendicitis, carried a death sentence. Of course, the anchor would also apply to those many brave men lost at sea. Notice the delicate facial features, her cascading locks of hair and the sumptuous swirl of draperies that cover her figure. I believe that the anchor itself is leaning on a rock. Steadfast hope. The carver has used the natural caramel colored portions of the shell to enhance her hair, the rock and the inside tip of the anchor. The gold ribbon twist bezel is marked 14KT gold. The C clasp closure is marked 18KT gold along with other English jewelry markings. The 3 side views show how the setting follows the curves of the shell. A suburb quality, large and eye catching Antique Cameo brooch – wonderfully wearable and enormously collectible, too. “Hope” is a thing we all desire. Condition: Excellent. Appears unworn. Size: 2 1/8” high, 1 3/4" wide, 3/8” deep.	$950.00
CA103	MAJESTIC PORTRAIT ( Victorian Jewelry Shell Cameo Brooch / Pin ): It is very rare to find a rimless Cameo like this one, a stunning Victorian Shell Cameo Brooch/Pin beautifully hand carved as an idealized classical female head wearing a laurel wreath crown. (c. 1860-80) I believe that this is a portrait cameo of a young Queen Victoria. By the second half of the 19th Century the Cameo had become essentially an item of feminine adornment. With Victorian travelers pouring into Italy on the “Grand Tour” the demand for souvenirs increased the demand for cameos and what could be better than a portrait of their beloved Queen Victoria. This Cameo, created with its fabulously, ornately carved surround, is a work of art requiring sculptural precision, great ingenuity and superlative craftsmanship. I love the way the carver has used the shell to form the elaborate scrolls and head from the white portion of the shell, leaving the light caramel color to provide the background. This Antique Cameo was probably only meant to be displayed, but at a later period (1890-1900) the slightly curved shell was mounted in a prong setting of 9KT gold (marked). The pin back has a C clasp closure and safety chain. If you study the back of the setting you will see that the jeweler shaped the gold backing to fit the circular scrolls of the shell providing support and guarding against breakage. A wonderful hand made mount! This brooch is unusual and feminine, as well as eye catching. A fantastic quality Cameo worthy of any museum or fine collection. Condition: Excellent. Appears virtually unworn. Size: 1 3/4" high, 2 1/8” wide, 3/8” deep.	$1100.00
CA097	CAPTIVATING COMBINATION OF SHELLS ( Victorian Jewelry Cameo and Tortoiseshell Bracelet ): This rare tortoiseshell and cameo bracelet has been in my personal collection for over 20 years. Although in the photos the bracelet setting appears to be jet black, it is actually made of tortoiseshell. You are able to see its tortoiseshell coloring in the transilluminated photo. Three hand carved oval shell cameos have been inlayed into the center of three of the tortoiseshell links. (c. 1865-80) The tortoiseshell has been heated and shaped so that the curves lay smoothly around your wrist. The inset cameos picture classical women dressed in flowing draperies - the largest center oval depicts a standing woman driving a chariot pulled by two horned goats. To the right a seated maiden plays a harp and to the left another maiden plays the flute seated beside two Grecian columns. The combination of two different shells is rare and extremely striking. The center link uses 10KT gold hinged mounts that provide a touch of rich elegance to the bracelet’s center piece. The bracelet closure is most unusual and effective. You twist the clasp open, slide the pin in the slot and than twist the clasp back to flat and the bracelet remains firmly closed on your arm. The back of the link clasp is marked “TREVETATTO” (as best I can tell). Tortoiseshell was considered suitable for half-mourning and extremely popular with Victorians. This captivating bracelet is so appealing when worn. Light and dainty, this is a combination of shell work that is rarely seen. Condition: Excellent. There are some fine scratches – they are antiques, too! Size: Bracelet with clasp closed will fit a 6 1/2” wrist – a small to medium size. Center link is 7/8” high, 2” wide, 1/4” deep.	$725.00
CA082	GODDESS OF PLENTIFUL HARVEST ( Victorian Jewelry Demeter Shell Cameo Brooch / Pin ): A superb hand carved Victorian shell cameo, this brooch depicts the Greek goddess Demeter. (c. 1870) A regal deity, she wears a crown of wheat sheaves. Demeter was the goddess of agriculture and vegetation, a beneficent earth goddess who made everything grow and ripen. A sister of Zeus, this kind, gentle goddess insured that mortals always had plentiful harvests. She was also associated with fertility and newly married couples often received gifts of wheat. This timeless beauty has been carved with exquisite detail and depth. A large Antique Cameo Brooch, it is mounted in an 18KT Gold link setting with delicate touches of engraving on the outer links. The pin back retains its original C clasp with a replacement pin stem. Remarkable in quality, this Cameo Brooch conveys the essence of Victorian extravagance in jewelry. Condition: Excellent. A few age related light stress marks not visible to the naked eye. A few repairs to the back of the frame done with the addition of golden balls, rather than solder. Size: 2 1/2” high, 2 1/8” wide, 1/4” deep. Cameo carving is 2” high, 1 1/2” wide.	$750.00
CA079	CRESCENT MOON HUNTRESS ( Victorian Jewelry Cameo Brooch / Pin ): Meticulously hand carved from shell, this Victorian Cameo Brooch of Diana, the goddess of the hunt, is portrayed in a most graceful and unusual manner. (c. 1860-80) The entire background of the shell has been carved away, leaving a dainty and feminine portrait of the goddess. Diana was a beautiful wild maiden, a virgin huntress bearing a silver bow and a quiver of golden arrows. She lived in the forest with an attendant band of nymphs and hunting dogs. Identified with the moon goddess, Selene, the crescent moon on her head became one of Diana’s symbols. In this Victorian interpretation her “wildness” has been tamed to suit the romantic Victorian style. Abundant hair curls and waves are rendered with exquisite beauty. Her bow is visible on one side and the quiver of arrows on the other. She wears a necklace of fine, tiny beads and dress of flowing draperies. I believe that this carving was originally a souvenir of the Victorian passion for travel. She may have been placed in a shadow box. At a much later date, this Antique Cameo was made into a splendid brooch by using the two jeweler tested 10KT gold balls to attach the safety catch pin back. The shell itself is slightly curved, making this Diana Cameo even more attractive. I’m so glad she was made into a piece of wearable art to be shared by all who see her. Condition: Excellent. No stress marks. A few light scratches visible only under magnification. Size: 2” high, 1 1/2” wide, shell is 1/8” thick. Curved it is 1/4” deep.	$700.00
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