Time Dances By - Cameos and Ivory Jewelry

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 19^th 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!
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