| 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
|
| |
(( Previous | 1
| 2 | 3 | Next ))
|
|