A Victorian era helmet shell cameo brooch/pendant depicting Diana/Artemis, goddess of the hunt, of forest animals, and maidens committed to chastity. In her aspect as Luna/Selene she is goddess of the Moon. The Crescent moon on her headpiece shows she is Goddess of the moon. The skilled artisan who carved her took advantage of a natural rise in the shell to give extra depth to the head. The bezel setting has the rich color of a higher fineness of yellow gold, but is unmarked, so may be no more than 10K. She has some solder marks on the reverse, unsure if it is a repair, or if she was made like this. The cameo has no chips, cracks or stress lines. The setting is free of dents and scratches. The hinge moves freely; the pin stem is straight; unlike many safety clasps of the period this one snaps into place and stays closed. She has a removable safety chain. Overall size is approx. 2 inches high by just under 1.5 inches wide. Free UK postage. Please feel free to email me with any questions. |