Time Dances By - Cameos and Ivory Jewelry

Item:	Description:	Price:
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
CA101	CHILDREN OF NIGHT ( Victorian Jewelry Shell Cameo Brooch / Pin ): This hand carved Victorian Shell Cameo Brooch (c. 1870-80) is one of my very favorite designs. Taken from a marble bas-relief by Neo-classical sculptor, Bertel Thorvaldsen, (executed in 1815) it remained a favorite subject for cameos throughout the 19th Century. The winged figure of Nyx, goddess of Night, carries in her arms her two sleeping children – the young gods, Hypnos and Thanatos. Hypnos – the god of Sleep, son of Night and brother of Death – slumbers on one shoulder and Thanatos – the personification of Death – rests on his mother’s other shoulder. Nyx herself is surrounded by four stars and puffy clouds. (There is a companion bas-relief that depicts “Day”.) This is an extremely lovely carving with delicate wing feathers and gracefully swirling draperies. A possible signature (“Gily”??) is marked on the back of the shell. The vertical depiction of “Night” is an unusual one. The gilt gold setting compliments the caramel shaded Antique Cameo Brooch and adds a dainty wire twist to the bezel mount. The extended pin stem, C clasp closure and safety chain are all original to the piece. A touching and appealing Cameo at an equally appealing price. Condition: Excellent. No defects. Size: 2” high, 1 5/8” wide, 1/4" deep.	ON HOLD!
CA095	THE MAGIC OF PEARLS & CURLS ( Vintage Jewelry Shell Cameo Ring ): This Vintage hand carved Cameo Ring has been in my collection for over 20 years. From the style of the setting, etc., I would place her as a piece made in the 1970’s. This pretty lady is probably Grecian, based on her head band and hair style. A captivating deeply carved portrait set at an unusual angle with her face turned slightly to the right. Her eyes are closed and her features are supremely fine. Bezel set in marked 14KT gold; she has loops of seed pearl beads surrounding the whole cameo, giving it a graceful and purely feminine appearance. The white of the pearls is the perfect touch to bring out the lovely white features of this cameo. The 14KT ring band has a lacy and delicate wire work construction that raises the mounting and the cameo above your finger. This ring is a U.S. ring size 6 1/4. Cameo rings are difficult to find and you won’t see this one again. What a perfect gift for a wife, mother or loved one. Such an ethereal and refined blend of elements. Condition: Excellent. Very light weight. Size: 1 3/8” high, 1 1/8” wide, 1/2” deep! Currently a U.S. ring size 6 1/4. (Ring size can be sized.)	$450.00
CA096	THE MARK OF THE CRESCENT MOON ( Edwardian Jewelry Shell Cameo Pin / Pendant ): Diana, Goddess of the Hunt, was a beautiful wild maiden, a virgin huntress. Here she is depicted in a 10KT Edwardian Shell Cameo of exquisite delicacy and refinement. (c. 1910) Appealing and feminine, Diana was the daughter of Zeus and the twin sister of Apollo, the Sun god. 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. I love this pretty carving of Diana and you can wear it as a brooch or a pendant. Shown from the waist up, the detail work is perfect. Her face is extremely well formed; her hair style is complex and dimensional. She wears a tiny string of beads and the draperies of a chiton gown. The marked 10KT engraved mounting has a wire twist that encircles the entire bezel set mounting. The reverse of the mounting has a C clasp closure and swivel bale ring that folds down. It is also initialed by the maker on the bottom of the gold setting. A delicious soft caramel color, this beauty is a perfect addition to any Cameo collection. Condition: Excellent. A few light striations not visible to the naked eye. Size: 2 ¼” high, 1 ¾” wide, ¼” deep.	$475.00
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
CA090	REGAL MARY QUEEN OF SCOTS ( Victorian Jewelry Shell Cameo Portrait Brooch / Pin ): Portrait Cameos had long been commissioned by royalty and the aristocracy. In the late nineteenth century the newly-wealthy of Victorian society began collecting cameo representations of historical figures, such as Shakespeare, Elizabeth Barrett Browning, Dante and contemporary notables including the Romantic poets and novelists. This superb Antique Cameo, hand carved of Black Helmet Shell, is a portrait of Mary Queen of Scots. An oval cameo, set in a 10KT gold mount, it depicts Mary in her elaborate attire. (c. 1870-80) She is wearing a delicately carved ruff and her distinctive cap headpiece. This lovely Elizabethan lady is adorned with gorgeous jewelry – note the wonderful earring and beaded necklaces. Mary is wearing a tiny heart pendant and a cross suspended from a chain, symbols of her faith. She was eventually beheaded in the reign of Elizabeth I. (Mary was born in 1542 and died in 1587.) The 10KT (jeweler tested) bezel set double mount has a clear compartment on the reverse side, containing a curl of reddish blonde hair tied with a pink ribbon on a turquoise fabric backing. The brooch has a C clasp closure and still retains its safety chain. Highly sought after by collectors, this regal and elegant Mary Queen of Scots Cameo Brooch is an unforgettable example of a master carver’s art. Make a space in your jewelry box because this Queen Cameo belongs there! Condition: Excellent. The pin stem may be an early replacement. There are a few tiny surface indentations on the hollow mount at 8:00, but they are barely visible. Size: Just over 2” high, 1 3/4” wide, 3/8” deep.	$950.00
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
CA076	WINGS OF LOVE ( Victorian Jewelry Shell Cameo Brooch / Pin ): This elegant and refined Victorian Shell Cameo (c. 1840-60) is an unusual rendering of Psyche, the bride of Cupid. Cupid pricked himself on his own arrow and fell in love with the beautiful mortal Psyche. After many trials, Zeus gave permission for the two lovers to marry and Psyche became an immortal. Psyche in Greek means both “soul” and “butterfly” – the soul was seen as a butterfly which left the body after death. In this crisp and complex carving, Psyche wears her butterfly wings on her shoulders and holds a second butterfly in her hand. Delicate and feminine, this Antique Cameo is enhanced by the swirling scarf in her hand and the fluffy clouds at the bottom. The entire cameo is filled with a circular motion. The shell is prong set in a delicate jeweler tested 14 KT gold rim. The yellow gold frame is best seen in the last photo, side view. The original C clasp and hinged pin stem are intact. A special cameo to own for yourself and then enjoy passing on to another generation. Condition: Excellent. No stress marks. Size: 2 1/4” high, 1 3/4” wide. Cameo curves 1/4” high.	ON HOLD!
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
CA074	YOUNG GOD OF WINE & GREEK THEATRE ( Victorian Cameo Jewelry Swivel Brooch ): We all know Dionysus as the hedonistic Greek god of the Vine, Wine and Fertility. In this impressive Victorian Swivel Cameo Brooch he is pictured as a sensual young god with long, flowing hair – wearing a vine-wreath crown. (c. 1870) He holds a thyrus, an ivy entwined staff topped with a pine cone, a fertility symbol. The carved animal pelt over his shoulder appears to be a lion. Often his followers wore masks and, from choragic literary contests known as “Dionysia”, tragedy and comedy evolved. Quite grand in scale, this hand carved shell cameo is bezel set in a swivel mount. The bold, gold plated link setting is engraved with a floral & leaf motif and has a wire twist edging. The swivel turns easily to reveal the original clear cover. The safety clasp closure is a replacement. A wonderful Antique Cameo steeped in meaning and memories of the Victorian era. Condition: Excellent. An old solder repair at bottom of the swivel, but not visible from the front. Some wear to the plating. Size: 2 3/4” high, 2 3/8” wide, 3/8” deep. Cameo is 1 3/4” high, 1 3/8” wide.	$650.00
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