Very Rare 2 Sided Carved Coral Cameo - Georgian

The carvings are well detailed and done in medium high relief on each side. On one side a scene depicting the image of Diana the Huntress shown with a nude back resting her bow and attended by her 2 Whippets. They appear to be in a garden with visible trees and shrubbery.

On the obverse we see another classical scene, this time featuring the front view of a Shepherd at rest. He is complete with his crook and leggings, and shown with his dog resting at his feet. We see him leaning against one shrub while his dog takes shade beneath another.

The exquisitely detailed carving on both sides is quite remarkable. Each figure impressive, well honed, realistic - and executed with finesse. In all, a man, a woman, three dogs and landscapes!

Suspended beneath the crescent are 3 well appointed acorn shaped tassels which move freely and are secured by tiny gold rivets on their underside.

The cameo hangs lavaliere style from a gold chain, caught with a gold ball about 1.5" above the center of the crescent, allowing for the crescent to be turned to either scene. This could also be hung from a watch pin. The neck chain runs another 16" from the top of the ball.

The coral is natural deep Sciacca, and can be compared with the color depth of red sockeye smoked salmon.

Hanging measurement of the cameo from the bottom of the ball to the bottom of the drops is 2.75".

CONDITION: Superb antique condition! A small, naturally occurring open vein (not a flaw) is seen exaggerated in the photographs. In reality it is a tiny plane, and I hadn't even noticed it. On the acorns there is an age related small vertical hairline (on the top portion of the surface before the carving begins) of the right acorn (if you are looking at the side with Diana. None of these issues are considered to be in danger of worsening. The gemological appraisal on this piece describes (in brief) as follows: " Museum quality & rare owing to the size & quality of the coral, the fine double sided carvings & excellent condition of the piece..." This cameo was likely a part of a larger suite and the 14K chain is a later addition. Other hardware is original and tests to 14-15K variable. Unsigned, Italian. Late Georgian, early 19th Century.

An independent gemological appraisal will be provided for this cameo.

Our fine jewelry is shipped at no charge to our clients.

A rare opportunity for the Cameo Collector to acquire a piece of this stature!

Item ID: R771