Time Dances By - Cameos and Ivory Jewelry

Item:	Description:	Price:
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
IV057	GODDESS DIANA IN ELIZABETHAN DRESS ( Victorian Jewelry Ivory Diana Cameo Pendant ): I was thrilled to discover this rare and superb Victorian hand carved Ivory Portrait Cameo. The goddess Diana (crescent moon in hair) is portrayed in Elizabethan dress, a scarce and unusual view of the goddess of the hunt. Diana was a beautiful wild maiden, a virgin huntress, and was the daughter of Zeus. She was also the protector of children and wild animals. Her association with Selene, the Moon goddess, gave her the mark of the crescent moon. The choice of Elizabethan dress is striking and dramatic and the large lace ruff sets off her face like a picture frame. Her lovely eyes even have visible pupils! Abundant hair curls and waves are rendered with exquisite beauty. The crescent moon sits like a crown on her head and she wears a necklace of tiny ivory carved beads as well as a large brooch at her neckline. In this Victorian interpretation, Diana’s “wildness” has been tamed to suit the romantic Victorian style. The choice of dress is an additional nod to romanticism. I believe that this ivory carving may have been a souvenir of the Victorian passion for travel. She may have been place in a shadow box or box lid. At a much later date, this Antique Cameo was made into a pendant. The claw-set mounting and full back cover are 18KT gold plated. The piece is French, most likely carved in Dieppe, the center of ivory carving. The ivory grain is very beautiful and through the years this Flora has acquired an even warm patina of buttery yellow. Pendants are difficult to find and highly sough after by collectors of both Ivory and Cameos. You may never see a Cameo like this again! Condition: Excellent. One tiny prong on the lower left may have lost its tip. The “line” you see down along her left cheek in some photos is a reflection, not a defect. Two views show her left cheek directly. Size: Large. 2 3/4" high, 2" wide, 3/8" deep.	SOLD!
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
CA109	POETIC MUSE ( Vintage Jewelry Shell Cameo Earrings ): I have had these appealing and feminine hand carved shell earrings for about 40 years. I purchased them at an antique show, but I would date them to the early 1950’s. Zeus had nine beautiful daughters who were referred to as the Muses. They were goddesses who patronized art, music, dance, literature and inspirational creativity. These vintage tear drop pierced earrings show Erato, the Muse of Lyric and Love Poetry, holding a lyre. Carved as mirror images, notice the gossamer draperies swirling around the figures. The circular tops show delicately rendered flowers – probably forget-me-nots. The cameos are mounted in a gilt (gold wash over silver) setting with a fine wire twist encircling the floral tops as well as the tear drop Muses. The posts are set on a vertical support, making them very sturdy and easy to put on. The ear backs are the ones that I used – clear disks – that hold the earrings firmly in place. Very pretty earrings that are articulated and move and swing as these Muses “dance” next to your face. A well priced classical pair of earrings to add to your jewel box! Condition: Excellent. Slight wear to gilt. Size: 2” long, 3/4" wide, 3/8” deep. Drop is 1 1/2” long.	SOLD!
CA110	SWEETLY FEMININE ( Vintage Edwardian Shell Cameo Necklace ): This silver and hand carved cameo necklace was probably made for a young girl or a petite woman. The center image of this Vintage piece appears to be Erato, the Muse of Lyric and Love Poetry. She is holding a swan, the symbol of love and the poet. The two smaller carvings may be Cleio, the Muse of History, holding a book or tablet to record heroic deeds. The three bezel set Cameo ovals are linked together by a flower blossom design. The delicate chain is finely made and appears to be an Edwardian design. There is a spring ring closure and the metal is silver plate. This cameo necklace would make a lovely and appropriate gift for a young woman or pre-teen girl. Condition: Good. Faint striations in left oval figurine. Size: Necklace is 15” long. Center Cameo is 1” high, 7’8” wide. Two smaller Cameos are 3/4" high, 1/2" wide.	$15.00
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
CA100	HEAVENLY “MADONNA OF THE CHAIR” ( Victorian Jewelry Shell Cameo Brooch / Pin ): This Museum quality hand carved shell Antique Cameo Brooch (c. 1870-80) depicts, in incredible detail, “The Madonna of the Chair”. The original oil painting was done by the Italian painter, Raphael, in 1514. It is one of the most famous of Raphael’s works – a painting of the Renaissance era. In this heavenly Cameo the Madonna engages the viewers directly as she sits protectively holding her young son, the infant Christ Child. On the right, Raphael reveals the figure of Christ’s young cousin, the boy St. John the Baptist. The master carver of this Cameo has shown the sweet embrace between mother and son, the prototype of motherly love. The child, Jesus, snuggles against his mother, while the young St. John holds his hands in prayer and cradles a cross in his arm. St. John and the Madonna both have delicate halos, while the baby Jesus has tiny rays of light above his head. A turned spindle of the “chair” is seen at the left of the carving. A stunning large Cameo set in a 9KT gold engraved frame with four sets of buckle and clasp ornaments (we belong together). See side views and frontal blowup to appreciate the intricacy of the buckles. The original C clasp closure is in place, but a shorter pin stem replaces the original elongated pin stem. I have included a photo of the original painting for comparison. You will treasure this highly coveted Cameo and its magnificent setting. A gift to a loved one or for yourself….a gift that will be treasured today, tomorrow and by future generations. Condition: Excellent. Size: A large Cameo measuring 2 3/4" high, 2 1/4" wide, 1/4" deep.	$1500.00
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.	$1250.00
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
CA093	BIRD’S EYE VIEW ( Victorian Jewelry Bird Shell Cameo Brooch/Pin ): I fell in love with this irresistible Antique Bird Shell Cameo Brooch. (c. 1900) I have not seen any thing like it before. Great detail and master carving are the hallmarks of this unusual and charming portrait of nature. The bird seems to be studying the little bug at its feet. The feathered wings are spread and the total focus of the head and beak are poised to grab the tasty insect treat. The rest of the shell is hand carved with a multitude of various flowers and leaves. Parts of the shell have been totally carved away, leaving openings, to set off the bird. His wings and feathers are intricately carved – notice his eyes and tiny feet. Even the insect is clearly visible, looking much like a housefly. The colored portions of the shell perfectly highlight the portrait. An unusual gold-filled basket weave frame sets off the entire bezel set cameo. There is a C clasp closure. The cameo sits very high off of its base, as you can see in the side view. If you are a bird collector or love unusual cameos, this is a great addition to your collection. Condition: Excellent. Size: 2” high 1 5/8” wide, 3/8” deep. Shell carving is 1 9/16” high, 1 3/8” wide.	$450.00
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
CA081	WINDOW TO THE PAST ( Victorian Jewelry Hardstone Cameo Brooch ): All jewelry is personal adornment, designed to be worn. Yet the Cameo, perhaps more than any other form of “jewel”, has long been appreciated as a work of art. Cameos, being carvings in relief – in effect miniature sculptures – were the ideal conduits for the revival of classical themes. This supremely feminine Victorian hardstone cameo brooch is, I believe, a custom made piece of jewelry. (c. 1870-90) The setting is highly engraved 14 KT gold, set with 24 small round pearls. The Antique Hardstone Cameo at the center is hand carved from a piece of banded agate. If you look closely at the side view, you can see a thin layer of brown that has been carved away to reach the black base layer. The white agate depicts an elegant classical noblewoman complete with a pendant necklace and earrings. The back of this brooch has a celluloid covered removable compartment used to hold hair of a likeness of the loved one. Marked “K14”, the closure is an enhanced C clasp – a very sturdy, reinforced clasp. A refined and regal Cameo Brooch that combines the artistry of a master carver and a skilled jeweler. What a magnificent gift for a loved one or – better still – treat yourself to this one-of-a-kind treasure! Condition: Excellent. Some abrasions on the celluloid cover on the back. Tiny solder repair not visible from the front. Size: Entire brooch 2 1/4” high, 1 7/8” wide. Cameo 1 1/4” high, 1” wide, 3/8” deep.	$1400.00
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.	$750.00
CA073	OPULENT & UNFORGETTABLE ( Edwardian Jewelry Antique Cameo Brooch / Pin ): I was delighted to find this Edwardian Cameo Brooch with its extravagant setting. (c. 1910-1920’s) The hand carved female seems to represent a transitional period between Victorian and Art Deco. (Belle Époque Edwardian period c. 1890-1920’s) This unsuspecting, charming Bacchante - with grapes in her hair - is about to face a great change as the “modern” woman of the 20’s emerges. The oval Cameo itself has been enhanced by the later addition of an elaborate double frame of simulated pearls and coral beads, set in jeweler tested Sterling Silver. I don’t know when this work was done, but it certainly makes this brooch opulent and unforgettable. Someone must have been very fond of this cameo to add such masterful embellishments. This is gorgeous! There is a replacement bar pin back with a safety clasp closure. Condition: Excellent. A few tiny dings to coral beads, not visible except under magnification. Size: Entire brooch is 2 5/8” high, 2 1/4” wide, 3/8” deep. Cameo is 1 3/4” high, 1 3/8” wide.	$700.00
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