QUALITY RARE V ICTORIAN SHELL CAMEO BROOCH IN HIGH RELIEF AND BEAUTIFULLY HAND CAR VED
ANTIQUE NOT VINTAGE
No Hallmarks, but tested as 9ct, but I don't know if Solid or Rolled, so have priced it as Rolled Gold
Dates to between 1850 and 1910, determined by the clasp type, see photo
Greek Mythology Goddess
The brooch measures 60 mm X 44 mm , rare large size
Should you want to wear it as a pendant, just add a brooch converter, or loop a chain through the top curlicue mount, aa per last photo
It weighs 12.10 Grams,
Please see pics for more details:)
Very Good used condition consistent with normal use (see images), could use a clean in the crevices on the reverse.
Second Last photo has the same mount, photo from Carters Antique Guide
Cameo Jewellery
Cameo pins, rings and pendants are making a comeback on the Jewellery scene. Of course, I don’t think they ever went anywhere, but Jewellery trends are cyclical just like fashion and the cameo is stylish right now.
What is Cameo Jewellery?
Cameo Jewellery dates back to 3rd century B.C., making these pieces some of the most iconic on the vintage market.
A cameo is a material that is car ved with a raised relief that often depicts a profile of a face or a mythical scene. Cameo's may be made out of shell (typically conch shell), stone, lava, glass, agate, marble, coral or precious gemstones. These carv ings are typically set in either gold or silver.
There is nothing more beautiful than a well made and authentic cameo.. These days it’s hard to spot the cameos that are truly vintage and authentic. Today’s fakes are so good, it’s very difficult to see the difference between a real and a fake one.
Luckily, here are some tips to help you distinguish between a real and a fake cameo.
How to Value Your Cameo
There are three easy ways to determine if you cameo is made of plastic or of shell or stone.
One is the hot needle test. Here, you’ll place a hot needle against the cameo. If it’s plastic, it will melt. Then you know it isn’t real.
The next is to hit it against your teeth. If the sound is dull, chances are it is plastic.
Finally, use your sense of touch.
A real cameo real will be cool to the touch.
But, what happens if your cameo isn’t car ved? Not all cameos are car ved and not all cameos are of women either. Cameos have been known to depict nature, mythological creatures, men, and animals.
So, how do you know the value of what was either handed down to you over the generations, or what you found in the dusty corner of your favourite antique shop?
Here are a few factors to consider:
Does the subject face right or left? The most common way to face is right. The second most popular is left, then forward. These rare facing cameos can be worth a lot of money.
Women are used most often as subject matter in a cameo, but a man is worth more. Depictions of African American individuals are worth even more.
Women with elaborate hair or hats, children, historical or mythical figures are highly prized by collectors. Cameos depicting scenes instead of a human figure are uncommon and usually appraise higher.
Hold your cameo up to the light to check for cracks. It should have no chips or cracks, no matter how old it is. Believe it or not, this is the one type of Jewellery not worth more if it shows its age.
How to Date Your Cameo
Being able to value your cameo is important, but it is even more important to be able to put a time period as to when your cameo was made, because this is how you know your treasure is vintage.
Consider these details to help:
Look at the hinge or pin on the back. If the pin on the back is a plain ‘c-clasp' (the brooch pin loops under a c shaped piece of metal with no ‘roll over’ fitting)– chances are it’s an old/ antique brooch.
Mythology shell cameos usually date from the 18th Century to the very early 20th Century.
Pay attention to the nose. Portrait cameo’s that are carv ed with a straight nose are usually the V ictorian Era; and strong roman noses are pre-1860’s. If the nose is pert and cute, it is generally the 21st century.
Look at the details. The detail on a vintage piece is more Art Nouveau and not as detailed as the laser cut pieces that are modern of today.
The Care and Cleaning of Your Cameo
The great thing about the cameo is that it is a very resilient piece of jewellery, which could be why they stay intact for so many centuries.
If you own one, you only need to wash it in soapy water once a year and then rub a little mineral oil all over the front and back and leave it to soak in for a couple of hours. Wipe it down and dry it off and put it in your jewelry box.
If you find that you have a cameo that is of fine value and can be dated V ictorian or earlier than you do indeed have a rare and valuable treasure that you will want to hold onto for a very long time, and with just a little TLC, you will be ab