| Item: |
Description: |
Price: |

CA105 |
LOVE & WAR – VENUS & MARS ( Victorian Jewelry Shell Cameo Brooch / Pin
): This is the first time that I have offered this rare cameo
subject, the lovers Venus (Greek Aphrodite) and Mars (Greek Ares). This
hand carved Antique Shell Cameo Brooch (c. 1840-50) depicts the lovers
accompanied by Cupid (Greek Eros). Cupid, the son of Venus, is portrayed
holding an arrow and a flaming torch, which he used to arouse love and
passion. Mars, the God of War, is a handsome, virile male figure wearing
a helmet bearing a winged horse, with his spear and shield nearby.
Venus, the Goddess of Love & Beauty, was adored by gods and men. She was
sensual and vain, often encouraging her son, Cupid, to tease Mars by
withholding his shield. This is a Cameo brooch of unsurpassed beauty and
the highest quality carving. Notice that the pair are carved facing left
– more difficult and rare – making it even more coveted by collectors.
Prong set in a cannetille wire work frame of 18KT gold plate. The C
clasp and pin stem run vertically. The Cameo has been signed on the back
by the master carver. You will want to add this beauty to your personal
treasures. These detailed and rare Cameo brooches are increasingly
difficult to find. Buy the best and most beautiful and share it with
another generation.
Condition: Excellent. The setting shows the slightest wear.
Size: 2 1/8” high, 1 3/4" wide, 1/4" deep. |
SOLD! |
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. |
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!
|

CA092 |
ATHENA IN HORSE HELMET ( Victorian Jewelry Shell Cameo Brooch / Pin
): Incredibly fine delicate carving sets this Victorian Cameo Brooch
head and shoulders above most of the rest. (c. 1870-80) This is Athena,
the daughter of Zeus, who had an unusual birth – she emerged fully grown
and armed from the head of Zeus. (Don’t ask!) She was the fierce Greek
goddess of War, but also the goddess of Wisdom. Athena in battle costume
presented an awesome figure. Her sumptuous helmet has a Greek sphinx at
the top and winged horse on the side. Across the front of the helmet
three tiny horses race just above her brow and a horse hair crest tapers
down to a tail at the back of her neck. She wears a short armor breast
plate with the head of Medusa at the center. (One of Athena’s
attributes, the snake, is pictured along with her spear.) Athena was a
virgin goddess and her main temple was the Parthenon. Notice the fine
triple row necklace and the lovely drop earring. Details everywhere you
look! This breathtaking Antique Cameo is set in a simple jeweler tested
15KT gold rimmed setting that does not distract from the intricate
carving. The master carvers mark and the number 411 are visibly etched
on the back (Seen only in reflected light.) There is a C clasp closure
with a slightly elongated pin stem. The tiny loop at the bottom is for a
safety chain. You will fall in love with this dramatic multitasking
goddess. Truly a classic Cameo that you can later pass on to your family
as a remembrance. Condition: Excellent. The shell is naturally shaded in
color and slightly curved. The back has the usual marks of gold testing
done by careless dealers. The real value is in the Cameo carving! Size:
2” high, 1 5/8” wide. |
SOLD! |

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