Cameos can be made from various materials: shell, stone, coral, lava, plastic, glass, or ivory. During the Victorian era, many cameos were made from shell. Jet was not used until the 19th century and in modern times plastic was used and looks very similar to shell. A shell cameo has a curved back and, if it is a carnelian shell, the cameo is older whereas if emperor helmet, the brown and white cameo is modern. Older cameos were not set in gold, but instead in brass, pinchbeck (metal alloy of copper and zinc), gold-filled, silver, or silver vermeil ie gilded silver. A long Greco-Roman nose confirms production before 1850 while buy an upturned nose is modern. Up-swept curls indicate from the Victorian era, shorter curls mean it was made in the 20th century. Many antique cameos have developed hairlines and stress-lines over time while mass produced cameos have a grainy, pitted texture and are often poorly carved with little attention to detail.
This finely carved mid-century Oval Cameo Brooch or Necklace Pendant in a 12K Gold Filled Setting has a rotating safety catch clasp as well as a loop for a necklace. The curved cameo is white on brown therefore from an emperor helmet shell with a beautifully designed setting framing the cameo. The brooch itself measures 1.25" long and 1.0" wide. This gorgeous Oval Cameo Brooch or Necklace Pendant in a 12K Gold Filled Setting would make a very special gift for a friend or family member or to add to your own personal cameo collection!
The cameo will be packed in a jeweler's box then packaged and shipped USPS Priority Mail which includes tracking and insurance.
Please consider viewing other antique and vintage items in my shop. I have an eclectic collection from more than 40 years of collecting and am frequently adding new items to my shop.
Thank you for looking and considering a purchase!
Product code: Vintage Oval Cameo Brooch or buy Necklace Pendant in a 12K Gold Filled Setting - Mid-Century