Time Dances By - Cameos and Ivory Jewelry

Item:	Description:	Price:
CA054	THE YOUNG MASTER AND HIS DOG ( Victorian Shell Cameo Brooch ): Victorian pastoral or scenic shell cameos were a novel addition to the ever popular portrait pieces. The romantic influence can be seen in this serene carving of a young man at rest beneath a leafy tree. (c. 1840 - 1860) His town is pictured in the background and he is accompanied by his favorite companion - a hunting dog. The box in his right hand seems to indicate that he has just released the little bird at the left. The entire scene displays a tranquility that makes it suitable for a Victorian lady to wear. The brooch is mounted in a 14 KT bezel with a gold-plated, die struck decorative frame. The setting is an example of the botanical studies that young Victorian women were so enamored of. It is comprised of an oval of leaves and gourds (perhaps pears) and reinforces the pastoral theme. The safety clasp is a replacement. Condition: Excellent. No cracks or chips. Slight wear to the face. Size: 2 1/2" high, 2" wide.	$600.00
CA069	GLITTER & GLAMOUR ( Vintage Art Deco Cameo Brooch ): This “triplet” Art Deco Cameo Brooch is something you won’t see very often. (c. 1920-35) The shell Cameos are set in black enamel and surrounded with a geometric fire-work display of marcasites. The Art Deco period arrived with a bang and the dainty pale Edwardian styles shifted to bold and sexy. French and German jewelers excelled in designing modern-looking pieces hand set with small, round, faceted “stones” of iron pyrite, known as marcasites. Since their luster is metallic, their brilliance comes from the light reflected off the facets. Each cameo carving is different and the right and left profiles are looking toward the central round domed cameo. Photos cannot capture the glittering brilliance of this brooch. The glittering mood of the 20’s and 30’s marcasites is combined in this piece with a revival in Victorian style cameos brought about by the enormous popularity of period films and their glamorous stars. (Mae West, Greta Garbo, Betty Davis, etc.) The back is marked “ Sterling ” and there is a safety clasp closure. You should see this brooch worn elegantly on black, sexy on red or sophisticated on green or rust. A special Cameo for the woman who confidently makes each piece her own dramatic fashion statement. Condition: Excellent. Size: Brooch measures 2 1/2” wide, 1 5/8” high. Center domed round cameo is 3/4” in diameter.	$550.00
BB225	BAKELITE VICTORIAN REVIVAL BEAUTY ( Vintage Reverse Carved Bakelite & Celluloid Cameo Brooch ): This Vintage Bakelite and Celluloid Cameo Brooch proves that “everything old is new again”. (c. 1940) At the turn of the 19^th Century, large Cameo Brooches that had been so popular with Victorians fell out of favor and dainty stone encrusted earrings, pendants and bracelets were all the fashion. In the 1930’s, Bakelite jewelry marked the returned of big, bold pieces. The ivory colored celluloid cameo lady is highly detailed with floral accents in her hair and around the neckline of her classical drapery gown. The cameo is set on a gorgeous Vintage Bakelite golden marbleized rootbeer circular pin. The edges have been reverse carved to reveal applejuice stripes. The riveted pin back has a C clasp closure. Elegant and chic, this timeless beauty will look at home on denim or lace. Condition: Excellent. No chips or cracks. A few fine scratches typical for its age. Size: 2 3/4" in diameter. Bakelite portion is 1/4" deep, plus Cameo it is 1/2” deep. THIS IS A VINTAGE BAKELITE COLLECTOR’S PIECE	$195.00
CA071	PSYCHE IN GOLD & DIAMONDS ( Vintage Jewelry Coral Cameo Brooch / Pendant ): I love the contrast of this carved angelskin coral cameo set against the lattice and scrollwork of 18KT gold. (c. 1930-40) The cameo portrays Psyche, the bride of Eros (Cupid). The butterfly wings in her hair are an easy way to identify this mythological lady. Psyche in Greek means both “soul” and “butterfly” – the soul was seen as a butterfly which left the body after death. This miniature coral carving uses the pale pink portion of the coral to accent the waves in her hair and the butterfly wings. Her profile is delicately rendered and she is facing left – a more unusual view. The marked 18KT setting has a concave hammered rim with two curled edges, each set with five tiny diamonds. I discussed this brooch with two cameo dealers and they felt it was a 1930-40’s piece, probably a custom made item, hallmarked with an “L” in a circle. There is a safety clasp pin back and hinged pendant bale. Versatile and elegant, this cameo is outstanding in its fine use of textures and materials. Condition: Excellent. The tip of the bottom wing may have an old chip, but it is not noticeable among the flurry of gold & diamonds. Size: 1 7/8” high, 1 1/2” wide, 5/8” deep.	$575.00
CA051	DIVINE MUSICAL HARMONY: ( Victorian Shell Cameo Brooch ): A charming and cozy domestic scene is the subject of this beautiful shell cameo brooch, with Aphrodite seated in the background playing a lyre and two winged cherubs accompanying her with flutes. An attentive dog provides an audience. Probably carved in the 1890's, the 14K gold frame features rows of beading alternating with ribbon twists on the wide lip and a twentieth century replacement safety clasp and pin hinge on the back. Rendered with remarkable detail and warmth, it is unusual to find a cameo with three full length figures and an animal together. Condition: Excellent, light wear with no visible cracks or striations. Size: 2" wide, 1 5/8" high.	$500.00
VJ079	RAPHAEL’S HEAVENLY CHERUB ( Victorian Jewelry Angel Brooch ): All of the world has fallen in love with the Vatican Cherub painting created by Italian Renaissance painter, Raphael. Mounted in a huge brass wire twist bezel frame this romantic brooch with its finely rendered image of the littlest celestial being has been hand painted on porcelain. (c. 1870-1880) The heavenly cherub rests his arm on a cloud and gazes pensively through soulful eyes. What is he thinking? Such delicate skin tones and golden curls embody the angelic symbolism so prized by Victorians. In a time when life and death were so closely linked, Heaven was always a heart beat away. There is an impressed mark on the back which I believe is "15" with "E" below that. The original C clasp and pin stem are in place. Condition: Excellent. No chips, cracks or scratches. Size: 3 1/2" high, 2 7/8" wide, 1/4" deep.	$350.00
CA045	HEAVEN REVEALED ( Victorian Shell Cameo Brooch ): Glorious is the only word for this truly magnificent Victorian hand carved Shell Cameo Brooch depicting the Madonna and infant Jesus. (c. 1860 - 1880) In a rare full length portrait, Mary walks on heavenly clouds cradling her infant son in her arms, as her gown and veil flow gracefully around her. She is revealed to the onlooker by the parting of carved draperies held by tiny winged cherubim, two to each side and four overhead. Set in a substantial 18 KT gold mounting featuring delicate rope and ribbon twist borders, the brooch retains its original C clasp and hook for a safety chain as well as another hook suitable for an additional dangle or drop. The pin stem is a later replacement. This cameo brooch is presented in its original fitted box, which is time worn and no longer closes securely, but has been its resting place to this day. It is still rare to have the original box. Condition: Very good. No chips or cracks. A stress line not visible to the naked eye on the left of the baby. Wear to the top 4 cherubs and light wear to the Madonna’s head. Bezel rim at 4:00 is slightly crimped. Size: 2 1/2" high, 2" wide, 3/8" deep.	$900.00
CA025	QUEEN OF THE AMAZONS ( Edwardian Shell Cameo Brooch ): This lovely Edwardian shell Cameo depicts Hippolyta, the Queen of the Amazons, who were the warrior daughters of Ares, the Greek god of war. Like her aunt, the goddess Athena, she is dressed in full armor, but her helmet bears a laurel wreath crown rather than the face of Zeus worn by Athena. One of the most distinctive aspects of Edwardian jewelry is their lacy, delicate appearance and their monochromatic color palate. This cameo dates c 1910 - 1920. The practically translucent shell is brilliantly carved to take advantage of the different colored layers in the shell, retaining the tan color on the helmet and armor and carving deeper to reveal milky white for the skin tones. It is set in a marked 14K white gold filigree setting with an early form of safety catch. Condition: Excellent. It may have had a hidden pendant hook at one time. 1 7/8" high, 1 1/2" wide.	$275.00
CA088	FEATHERED WINGS OF HOPE ( Victorian Jewelry Angel Cameo Pin / Brooch ): This “heavenly” Antique Cameo Brooch should please angel lovers. In this hand carved Victorian Shell Cameo an angel rises above the clouds, hands crossed over her heart. (c. 1860-80) A large anchor – the symbol of Hope – dominates the scene. Victorians loved all of the heavenly symbols of Christianity. Angels were a special favorite. This feathered heavenly being gazes outward and seems to promise hope for a lost loved one or hope that the mortal beloved has passed into heaven. This could well be a Mourning Cameo. Its soft background is especially serene and the subject is delicately rendered. Notice the finely carved wings and the dominance of the anchor. I am reminded of Emily Dickinson’s poem “Hope is a thing with feathers, that perches in the soul”. The tested gold plate over Sterling Silver frame is embellished with delicate engraving. The original C clasp and elongated pin stem are still in place. This ethereal Cameo Angel with her gossamer wings is a timeless beauty to be treasured for generations. Condition: Excellent. No stress marks. Size: 2 1/8” high, 1 3/4” wide, 1/4” deep.	SOLD!
IV047	IVORY MUSICAL MUSE ( Victorian Jewelry Ivory Cameo Brooch / Pin ): Beauty and grace combine in this exquisite hand carved Ivory Victorian Cameo Brooch. (c. 1880-1900) Not just another “pretty face”, this lovely rendering is a miniature work of art by a French master carver. This Antique Ivory Cameo depicts Terpsichore, the muse of dance and choral song. Her delicately carved hair cascades over her shoulders, curling and rippling in a manner that is almost sensual. Her heavy lidded eyes are closed as she uses her dainty fingers to pluck the strings of a lyre. Such depth and sumptuous detail only appear in the finest of Antique Cameos. The overall ivory grain and patina are rich and warm. The back retains its original C clasp and Victorian extended pin back. This Victorian Ivory Terpsichore Cameo is both a seductive and alluring work of art. She is a timeless beauty of the utmost refinement and worthy of a museum collection. Condition: Excellent. Size: 2 1/8” high, 1 1/2” wide, 1/2” deep.	SOLD!
CA086	DIANA CRADLING HER DOG ( Victorian Jewelry Cameo Pendant ): Diana, Goddess of the Hunt! This is a fantastic chance to purchase a beautiful Victorian shell cameo pendant hand carved in high relief. (c. 1860-80) It is difficult to part with this rare teardrop shaped cameo because, not only is Diana pictured to the waist floating in clouds, but the elegant dog she cradles so lovingly is carved in such fine detail – including the collar he wears. Animals depicted in cameo carvings are highly sought after by serious collectors. Daughter of Zeus and Leto, Diana is signified by her bow and hunting dog and was noted for her chastity. As the twin sister of Apollo, Diana was associated with the moon, complementing Apollo’s association with the sun. She is seen here with the crescent moon above her head. She was also the protector of children and young animals. Floral symbols embellish the top and bottom of the tear drop shape. The depth and delicacy of the carving is exceptional. A very feminine piece, the cameo is set in a formal style in a lovely elaborate 14KT Gold scrolling mount. This cameo pendant was probably brought back from Italy as a gift for a Victorian lady of taste, as a souvenir of the “Grand Tour”. There is an 18KT Gold Chain with a spring clasp closure currently on the cameo, but I believe that it is a later replacement chain. It is marked “Cioria”??. An unforgettable and captivating cameo to treasure for a lifetime. Condition: Excellent. No wear to cameo surface. No stress marks. Size: Cameo and setting 2 1/2” long, 1” wide, almost 1/2” deep. Gold filled chain is 32” long.	SOLD!
IV045	IVORY MISTRESS OF THE FLOWERS ( Victorian / Edwardian Jewelry Ivory Cameo Brooch / Pendant ): This serene hand carved Ivory Brooch/Pendant exhibits the delicate patina that only time can afford to give to fine grained Ivory. The subject may well be Flora, the Roman goddess of Flowers, who made the flowers grow and blossom. This “mistress of the flowers” symbolizes new live, spring, regeneration and hope. In this Ivory rendering the lovely young nymph is adorned with trumpet shaped lilies instead of the traditional roses. I think that this miniature Ivory work of art may belong to the Art Nouveau (c. 1985-1910) period. The lily was a favorite floral motif and this nymph bears none of the traits of the “Victorianized” female heads incorporating then contemporary hair styles and jewelry. Organic materials and pale colors were much favored by artists as they approached the delicate, monochromatic colorless palette favored by the Edwardians. Set in a simple wire twist 14KT Gold setting, this Cameo can be worn as either a brooch or a pendant. The pin back has an early safety clasp and a hinged pendant hook that is marked “14K”. A carving this fine probably originated in France where the tradition of Ivory carving reached its full artistry. This exquisite Cameo can be worn with denim or lace. You can make it a signature piece proclaiming your own unique sense of style. I just love it! Condition: Excellent. Size: 2” high, 1 1/2” wide, 3/8” deep.	SOLD!
CA060	THE VEIL OF NIGHT ( Victorian Shell Cameo Brooch ): I am delighted to offer you this exquisite Cameo Brooch of the goddess of Night. (c. 1860-70) Beautifully carved, feminine and delicate, this is a theme coveted by Cameo Collectors. Nyx, goddess of Night, was a feared goddess and mother of many powerful forces, including Sleep and Death. Nyx is veiled as the night, eyes closed in slumber and crowned with a wreath of sleep-inducing opium poppies. Nocturnal symbols, the moon and stars float above her head and her owl companion holds branches of poppies in his talons. The veil is especially stunning in its execution. Veil carving was often used as a test of a master carver’s work. The Cameo is bezel set with a ribbon twist surround. Over that are decorative foliate motifs at the four compass points. The setting appears to be gilt over silver. The bottom of the frame has 2 extended wire twist embellishments. I believe that the top of this setting may also have had those same twists, but personally I like the look of the asymmetrical setting. It puts so much focus on the face of Night. On the back is a replacement safety clasp and pin hinge. This Cameo is so much more beautiful than the one on Page 35 of Michelle Rowan’s book – “Nineteenth Century Cameos”. A real treasure to add to any collection of fine Victorian jewelry. Condition: Cameo is excellent! A few light natural striations above her head. These are created as the shell becomes dry with age. They are not visible with the naked eye. The setting has evidence of old solder repairs on the back. You will not see a better carving offered at this price! Size: 2 1/2” high, 1 3/4” wide, 1/4” deep.	SOLD!
CA036	MUSEUM QUALITY MEDUSA CAMEO ( Victorian Shell Cameo Brooch ): This breath-taking Victorian (1840 - 1860) Medusa Cameo is the work of a true artist. Set in an elaborate 10KT gold mounting, this shell cameo depicts one of the most sought after mythological images, Medusa. Poseidon fell in love with the beautiful mortal but the wrathful Athena turned her into a monster -- Medusa was one of the three Gorgons: And they are three, the Gorgons, each with wings / And snaky hair, most horrible to mortals, / Whom no man shall behold and draw again / The breath of life. Whoever looked at them was turned instantly to stone. Because of this, Medusa on cameos almost always has downcast eyes. Though of classical inspiration, there was a significant and interesting change in the appearance of the awesome Medusa profile made in the 19th century. Her terrifying aspect was transformed into a meek and innocent expression. The snakes in her hair, distasteful to Victorian ladies, were softened to resemble a headdress and necklace, while the wings in her crown were folded to conjure up visions of fairy tales and angels. This "tamed" Medusa became the exotic favorite of Victorians. Quality pieces, such as this exquisite Medusa, have become increasingly difficult to find at any price. This is THE cameo to own. There is a C clasp on the back with an added safety guard that slides over the pin. Condition: Excellent. Size: 2 3/8" high, 1 7/8" wide.	SOLD!
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