• MEASURES 1 1/2 INCHES TALL X  1 1/4 INCHES WIDE
• SOLID 10K YELLOW GOLD, STAMPED
• BEAUTIFUL HAND ENGRAVED BEZEL BORDER
• GORGEOUS SHELL COLOR TONES CAN BE SEEN IN THE BACKGROUND
• AMAZING WHEN HELD UP TO A LIGHT  !
• EXCELLENT CRAFTSMANSHIP
• TRULY A PIECE OF WEARABLE ART!
• CONDITION IS AGE APPROPRIATE,
• PIN CLUTCH WORKS GREAT STRONG
• BRACKETS IN PLACE FOR FUTURE ADAPTATION TO WEAR AS PENDANT (if desired)
• INCREDIBLE ANTIQUE ITEM..THEY JUST DON'T MAKE THEM LIKE THIS ANYMORE...GORGEOUS !!!

 This is one of the finest hand carved , most magnificent shell cameos I have EVER found. This is a brooch in an marked 10k gold. It is beautifully carved.  It depicts a Neoclassical lady with an aquiline or Romanesque nose (indicative of late 1800's to early 1900'S), and her hair ADORNED WITH A FLORAL BOUQUET WITH FLOWING RIBBONS ACCENTING a lovely draped gown...awe-inspiring and a true work of art.  Cameos like this one are cut from large natural seashells called cassis tuberosa.  These occur naturally along the Italian coast, and during the era of the Grand Tour in the 1800s, a vast carving industry arose in Europe. 

 Even Queen Victoria herself took classes on how to carve cameos!  Cameos were favored as souvenirs or mementoes/keepsakes/gifts to take back home after traveling and exploring the historic and archaeological treasures of Europe.  The cameo is bezel set with a Raffia work in heart shapes that alternate encircling the brooch, some show slight wear as would be expected but get this...at the top, bottom, left and right of the brooch are what appear to be green gold leafette' designs / shapes  The pin & clutch WORKS WELL. There are no cracks or chips, overall great condition...as always, see pic's.   

A true HEIRLOOM.  It is a work of art.  The photos in no way do justice to the detail and artistry of the carving. it can easily be polished up however we prefer to leave antique items in their natural patina.

LINT IN PHOTO...NO EXTRA CHARGE