SALE 1910 Shell Cameo Brooch Sterling Silver Blue Sapphire Accents

Jewelry : Antique : Fine : Edwardian : Arts & Crafts : Cameo : Shell : Silver : Gemstone : Brooch

 

This beautiful carnelian shell cameo from the early 1900's was surely quite a trend setter when first created at the hands of both a talented carver and prideful silversmith. We estimate this shell cameo brooch to be circa 1910, born in the overlapping eras of the Art Nouveau Period (1880-1910), Edwardian Period (1901-1910), and the Arts & Crafts Period (that varies by source from 1880-1925). We can professionally convert to a pendant/brooch for you. Email for information.

The cameo is expertly carved with a depiction of a beautiful turn of the century aristocratic woman, with her gown accented with a luxurious ermine fur collar. Carved in triple layer carving style, the darker shading to the carving itself is intentional and not damage. Her facial features are quite refined and European. Perhaps this was a commissioned portrait cameo. Her shoulder bears a lovely floral corsage.

The elaborate hand made silver setting is stamped STERLING on the inside of the bezel mount. It features a custom bezel with the very beloved and intricate wire work surround. In addition, the outer surround has been accented with two rectangular midnight blue sapphire paste (man made) stones measuring 4x2mm and handmade, not cast, flowers in full bloom on their leaves on each side. Each is faceted in antique style and is perfect without pitting, chips or cracks. The stones are bezel set and multi-faceted in the antique pyramid style as opposed to a modern diamond cut with a flat table. Absolutely gorgeous.

The setting measures 34.5mm tall (1 3/8") by 33mm (1 5/16") and the bezel set cameo itself measures 29mm (1 1/8") by 22.5mm (7/8") and is bezel set. The total weight is 5.6 grams.

In accordance with the times, this cameo is a brooch only, retaining its original locking pin and clasp, but could be easily converted to a pendant. However, its great size makes it a perfect specimen to grace any style neckline, collar, lapel and my personal favorite, the top of the shirt pocket.

This cameo is absolutely pristine. There are no chips, cracks, internal striations or even natural growth plates visible when candled to the light. The setting is perfect with no damage or evidence of repairs. Crafted in the period just before the outbreak of World War I and the invention of white gold in the late 1910's, silver was once the only affordable white metal used for jewelry.

For the perfect present, Give a gift from the past.

When you find the perfect gift, you needn't worry about the perfect box. Presentation is where it's at. We all love it! This beauty will be delivered in a lovely presentation box, perfect for gift giving or storage, along with a copy of our complimentary cameo care instructions to keep her perfect for generations.

Always free shipping in the USA with a no hassle return policy. We want our customers to love our pieces as much as we do. If for ANY reason you do not, we are happy to refund your purchase price and the return shipping. And none of those ridiculous restocking fees at Cameo Couture. NEVER will be. We pledge and guarantee every item we sell will be loved or totally refunded so you can try whatever appeals to you hassle free.

Item ID: C-1413

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This cameo is a Perfect 10!