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Judy Jay's Time Dances By |
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Phone: 210-690-8454 |
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--Last Updated: 11/01/2007 -- |
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Judy Jay's Time Dances By |
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Phone: 210-690-8454 |
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--Last Updated: 11/01/2007 -- |
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Cameos |
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(Click photo for additional views) |
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| Item: | Description: | Price: |
 CA089 |
THE
THREE GRACES – JOY, CHARM & BEAUTY ( Victorian Jewelry Three Graces
Cameo Set in Tortoiseshell Pendant ): The pairing of 2 different
types of shell is unusual and striking. This large Antique Cameo Pendant
surrounds the Three Graces (Bull’s Mouth shell) with an elaborate wide
frame of Tortoiseshell. (c. 1880-90) 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, draperies swirling, are holding a crown of
roses over the head of the center maiden. Finely hand carved down to
their tiny toes, these ladies are real charmers. The large, superbly
crafted, opulent Tortoiseshell frame ranges in color from a warm caramel
to a dark chocolate brown. Leaves and vines intertwine to form an
unending and captivating portrait of timeless beauty. Lacy and delicate,
this dynamite combination is a seductive and alluring work of the
jeweler’s art. Condition: Excellent. Includes large bale of
Tortoiseshell. Not visible to the naked eye – a tiny nick on the back
edge of the frame and a small split at the top of the tortoise bezel
surrounding the cameo (both pictured). Age and dryness cause such
separations. These are very minor and of no importance in a piece of
this age.
Size: Total length 3”, 2 1/4” wide. Cameo is 1 3/4” high, 1 3/8” wide. |
SOLD! |
CA065 |
CLASSICAL HARDSTONE BEAUTY ( Victorian Jewelry Hardstone Cameo Brooch ):
I am so pleased to be able to offer you this exquisite hardstone Cameo
brooch. (c. 1870) The Cameo has become known as a classic form of
jewelry. Some of the best and most highly prized Cameos are made from
hardstone. (They date back to ancient Rome.) These Cameos are more
difficult and time-consuming to fashion and require a great deal of
skill with lathe-held tools. Cameo experts point out that hardstones are
not “carved”, but more correctly engraved. This carnelian hardstone
Cameo depicts the profile of a classical female beauty. Truly a
miniature sculpture complete down to the tiniest detail. Richly attired
and serene in expression this beautiful brooch is outstanding in its
entirety. Bezel set in a 14KT gold Etruscan Revival mount with scrolled
wirework and bead decoration, the setting compliments the Cameo
perfectly. The dainty beadwork at the top of the frame is offset by the
lush scrollwork that encircles the bottom of the setting. The pin back
appears to be original and closes tightly with an unusually elaborate C
clasp. This Cameo combines art and jewelry into one perfect piece of
Victorian excellence. Condition: Excellent. No damage to Cameo or
setting. Size: 2” high, 1 3/8” wide, 1/2” deep. |
SOLD! |
IV029 |
INCREDIBLE IVORY IMAGE ( Victorian Jewelry Ivory Cameo Brooch ):
This Victorian Ivory Cameo Brooch is certainly one of the most stunning
pieces that I have ever been able to offer to collectors. From about
1840 to 1870 high-relief work ivory cameos were very fashionable. This
huge Bacchante is a museum quality example of the mastery of the French
ivory carvers. Bacchantes were the female followers of the Roman god
Bacchus. Incredible bunches of grapes and leaves are woven thru the
elaborate hair style of this beauty and around her neck she wears two
strands of beads. Both the grain and the patina of the ivory are so
beautiful. In this case the photos say it all! I know only the briefest
history of the piece. It is said to have come from a British family
whose relative was a physician to the royal family. The size and depth
of this cameo lead me to believe that it was probably originally set in
a box top. The gold safety catch pin back is clearly a later addition.
Michele Rowan’s book, “Nineteenth Century Cameos”, pictures an
ivory cameo similar (but not as lavish) to this one on page 122.
Condition: Excellent. One tiny necklace bead is missing. Size: 2 5/8”
high, 2 1/8” wide, 3/4” deep. |
SOLD! |
CA080 |
HEAVENLY RULERS OF THE GODS ( Victorian Jewelry Cameo Brooch / Pendant
): Zeus and his wife Hera, the royal couple, are the subjects of
this splendid Victorian hand carved shell Cameo. (c. 1850-70) Zeus was
the supreme god in the Greek pantheon and all were subject to his rule.
In this masterful carving he wears a crown of olive leaves and is
accompanied by his wife, Hera, the Queen of |
SOLD! |
CA066 |
WINGED NIGHT ( Victorian Jewelry Cameo Brooch ):
This Victorian Cameo brooch (c. 1860) 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 accompanied by the nocturnal owl. There is a companion
bas-relief that depicts “Day”. This is an extremely lovely carving
with delicate wing feathers and gracefully swirling draperies. The peak
of the shell has been used to accent the face of Nyx and the two
slumbering infants. There is a ribbon twist surrounding the caramel
shaded bezel set Cameo. The setting is gold filled. It appears that the
safety chain is a later addition. You may remove it if you wish. The C
clasp is original. Condition: Excellent. A few natural striations not
visible to the naked eye. Size: 2” wide, 1 3/4” wide, 3/8” deep. |
SOLD! |
CA061 |
DIANA, GODDESS OF ALL THE WILD ( Victorian Jewelry Shell Cameo Brooch ):
Diana, Goddess of the Hunt, was a beautiful wild maiden, a virgin
huntress bearing a silver bow and a quiver of golden arrows. Here she is
depicted in a Victorian Shell Cameo Brooch of exquisite delicacy and
refinement. (c. 1860-70) 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 young animals. Her association with Selene,
the Moon goddess, gave her the mark of the crescent moon. I love this
carving of Diana! Shown from the waist up, the detail work in the bow
and arrow are perfect. Her face is extremely well formed and the
draperies of her chiton gown swirl around her and complement the shape
of the shell beautifully. The shell is a pretty, soft caramel color and
has been signed on the back. The original bezel and setting have been
completely re-gilded. The side view shows the natural shape of the
shell. The original C-clasp retains the extended pin stem. She is a real
beauty! Condition: Excellent. A few light striations not visible except
when held up to light. Size: 2” high, 1 5/8” wide. |
SOLD! |
CA048 |
CHARIOT OF FIRE ( Victorian Cameo Brooch ): This elaborate Victorian Shell Cameo Brooch is literally fabulous, for it illustrates the fable or myth of Phaëthon, son of the Greek sun god, Apollo, and the mortal woman Clymene. Phaëthon took advantage of Apollo’s promise to fulfill any request he made and demanded the privilege of driving the Chariot of the Sun all alone. Of course, he lost control of the fiery tempered horses and nearly destroyed the earth before falling to his death. The intricately carved Cameo shows the four horses of the sun plunging off their course as Phaëthon pulls ineffectively at the reins. (c. 1870 - 1880) Bezel set in a 14KT gold mounting engraved with flowers and leaves at the four compass points and edged with rope twist wires, it retains its original C clasp and safety chain. The Victorian extended pin stem closes securely. This Cameo is full of excitement and drama. Condition: Excellent. There are a few light stress marks near the horses heads and hooves, but they are only visible when held to a strong light source. Size: Brooch measures 2 1/2" wide, 1 3/4" high. Cameo alone: 1 3/4 wide, 1 3/8" high. | SOLD! |
CA063 |
A PASSION FOR LAVA ( Victorian Jewelry Lava Cameo Brooch ):
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. Lavish and intricate in its every detail, this
gorgeous light khaki (greenish-beige) lava cameo depicts a Bacchante,
one of the female followers of Bacchus, the Roman god of wine and
fertility. Just look at the incredible depth of the relief and the
amount of undercarving delineating every leaf and grape in the vines
twisted through her elaborate hair style. It’s amazing! I particularly
like to think of her proper Victorian owner (c. 1840 - 1860) adorned by
what is, after all, an ancient party girl. Someone back then must have
had a sense of humor. The 18KT gold setting is an intricate Etruscan
Revival design. (True color of setting best seen in side view.) The Lava
Cameo is bezel set and has a replacement pin hinge and pin stem. The C
clasp appears original and there is a tiny ring at the bottom that was
used to attach a safety chain. Condition: Excellent. She still has her
nose! There is a slight dip in the edge of the frame where the pin hinge
was replaced. A significantly fine & large Lava Cameo
with no damage. Size: 2 1/4” high, 1 7/8” wide, 1/2” thick. |
SOLD! |
CA049 |
MYTHICAL CORAL BEAUTY ( Vintage Coral Cameo Pin / Pendant ): Coral presents a certain mystery: first it was pronounced a mineral, then a vegetable and today it is declared an animal. Regardless of its nature, coral has been a symbol of beauty, hope and protection against evil since classical times. This vintage Coral Cameo Brooch / Pendant is of breath-taking quality - a remarkable example of high relief hand carving in flawless condition. This finely detailed beautiful woman with stalks of wheat in her hair represents the Greek mythological goddess Demeter. (Roman - Ceres) The goddess of the harvest and fertility was both powerful and popular. Notice the elaborately carved hair style and the perfection of the tiny beaded necklace and earrings. The color of this Cameo is a very deep salmon. Coral is a product of sea life and is a soft material. When carving, the waste is great, which accounts in part for the high cost of a true coral Cameo. I would date this piece to about 1910 - 1920, Edwardian style. I say that because of the early style safety catch. The 14KT gold frame has a fine rope twist at the base of the bezel setting. There is a swivel pendant loop so that the piece can be worn as a pendant with the addition of a bale. Coral Cameos are highly prized and highly fashionable. Condition: Excellent. No chips or cracks. Size: 1 7/8" high, 1 1/2" wide. | SOLD! |
CA039 |
CHRISTIAN VICTORY CROSS ( Victorian Shell Cameo Brooch ): What a superbly carved spiritual Victorian Shell Cameo! An Angel floats above the clouds (Heaven), holding a palm frond (Victory) aloft in her right hand and carrying a huge Cross (Christianity) in her left. This scene depicts the Triumph of Christianity. Look closely at her lovely draperies and the wonderful delicacy of both her wing feathers and the palm leaves. This allegorical treatment of a Christian theme is one I’ve never seen before. What a nice change from angels and cherubs! The 2-dimensional gold filled frame motif consists of fleur-de-lis on the top level and scallops underneath. The back of the frame has been reinforced with small bars and contains the engraved initials "M" and "V" (probably the original owner). The C clasp pin back has been replaced with a safety catch. Obviously, this Cameo was well cared for and worn with love. Condition: Excellent. The frame has a few wear spots. Total size: 2 1/4" high, 2" wide. Cameo alone: 1 5/8" high, 1 3/8". | SOLD! |
CA055 |
ATHENA THE WARRIOR GODDESS ( Edwardian Shell Cameo Brooch / Pendant ): Exquisite carving sets this Edwardian Cameo Brooch / Pendant head and shoulders above the rest. (c. 1901 - 1910) This is Athena, the daughter of Zeus. Full-grown and in full armor, she sprang from his head. In the earliest account of her, the Iliad, she was a fierce and ruthless battle-goddess. She was also the protector of civilized life, of handicrafts and agriculture. In this incredible carving, Athena is depicted as the inventor of the bridle, who first tamed horses for men to use. Her helmet is bedecked with four carved horses and a horse-hair crest tapers down to a tail at the back of her helmet. She wears scalloped armor with a tiny face at its center. Notice the fine bead necklace and her lovely ear with its grape cluster earring. Details everywhere you look. The deep bezel and filigree setting is 14 KT white gold - a favorite with Edwardians. The back has a lever safety catch, patented in 1901, and a swivel pendant holder. You will fall in love with this multitasking goddess. Condition: Excellent, pristine. Size: 2 1/2" high, 2" wide, 3/8" deep. | SOLD! |
CA034 |
HEAVENLY MESSENGER ( Victorian Shell Cameo Pendant ): This superb Victorian Shell Cameo (c. 1860 - 1880) is a masterful carving of an angel pointing the way to Heaven. The details of the wings and dress are only surpassed by the incredibly fine hair and facial features. What a carving! This cameo is unset and meant to be worn as a pendant. Angel Lovers - this is the one! Condition: Excellent. A few natural striations that come with age, but not visible to the naked eye. 2" high, 1 5/8" wide. |
SOLD! |
CA020 |
THE LOVERS ( Vintage Shell Cameo Brooch ): The clean lines of Art Deco enhance the theme of this romantic shaded shell Cameo. Cupid as an adult seductively embraces his future bride, Psyche. Later Jupiter, King of the gods, made Psyche immortal. Fine carving and the sweeping crisscross of the figures stand out from the norm and make this a desirable and stylish piece. The oval silver marked "800" bezel set cameo is prong set into the twisted rolled-gold wire and scallop edge frame. Original pin back and safety clasp. Condition: Excellent. One tiny striation near left wing. 2" wide, 1 1/2" high. | SOLD! |
CA026 |
DEVINE SEDUCTION ( Edwardian Shell Cameo Pin / Pendant ): Greek gods are famous for their ability to beguile their mortal subjects. This shell cameo portrait of Eros (Cupid), the god of love, and his future bride, Psyche, is a clear and compelling depiction of that romantic power. Psyche sits with her legs demurely crossed at the ankle, but her gown has fallen far from her shoulders to her lap and her hands seem to be relaxing their protective modesty as Eros tenderly caresses her shoulder. He bends to embrace his beloved, but he keeps his quiver of arrows handy, resting between his wings. The skill and artistry of the master carver can easily be seen in the beauty of the composition and the depth of the bas-relief, as well as the extreme attention to detail in every aspect of the portrait. The translucence of the shell when held to the light explains why the signature of the artist is so lightly carved into the back that it is hard to read. The cameo is set in a dainty Edwardian 14K white gold setting with an early form of safety clasp on the pin and a hinged bale at the top so that the piece can be worn as a pin or a pendant. This masterpiece of romantic love dates from about 1912 - 1920. Condition: Excellent. A few natural striations at left. Not visible to the naked eye. Size: 2 3/8" high, 1 3/4" wide. |
SOLD! |
CA043 |
VICTORIAN CUPID KICKS UP HIS HEELS: ( Victorian Shell Cameo Brooch ): This delightful hand carved Victorian Cameo Brooch gives us a view of a playful Cupid (or a Cherub) set in a 9 KT yellow gold simple bezel setting. Playing the lyre and dancing for joy, his draperies fly around him as his outspread wings allow him to barely touch the ground. This cameo dates from 1880 - 1890 and fastens with a C clasp. It also has a small ring at the top for a safety chain or - with the addition of a jump ring - allows the cameo to be worn as a pendant. Full of joy and exuberance, this finely carved little fellow is irresistible! Condition: Excellent. There are a few small, almost invisible stress lines in the shell, which can only be seen when held up to a strong light source. Size: 2" high, 1 5/8" wide. | SOLD! |
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