SALE Antique 18K Shell Cameo Brooch Cultured Pearls Handsome Bacchus - 17.6 grams

Jewelry : Antique : Fine : Victorian : Cameo : Shell : Sardonic : Mythology : Gold : Pearls : Brooch

 

Gorgeous Italian shell cameo, gorgeous specimen of fine European jewelry craftsmanship. This amply sized 18K (750) yellow gold brooch is simply a splendid example of a high quality carved shell cameo in near mint condition, expertly encased in a thick gold pocket watch style case. This stunning brooch is estimated to be circa 1900-1910, but the shell cameo itself may be a bit older, 1880-1890.

The carving is a rare left facing depiction of the Greek god, Dionysus (Roman god, Bacchus), god of wine and fertility. His flowing locks of hair are meticulously carved in high 3 dimensional relief, adorned with his signature grapes and leaves. His classic beauty was thought to rival that of any woman, and this carving certainly gives that legend merit. Dionysus' famed good looks are the epitome of today's modern reference to a "Greek god"--gorgeous and mesmerizing. Known to the Romans as Bacchus, his followers were the Bacchante maidens, his wild parties in the forests the Bacchanalia. Bacchante maidens (also known as Maenads) were women who sought liberation of their bodies and minds through abandoning their families and themselves to the wildness of nature. In ecstatic trances, they roamed the forests and mountains, their constricted roles as wives, mothers, daughters, and sisters shed and temporarily forgotten.

The entire brooch measures 43x36mm, 1 3/4" by 1 3/16" and the sardonyx shell cameo itself measures 35x29mm, 1 3/8" by 1 1/4". The total weight is 17.6 grams.

The cameo is bezel set and surrounded by fifty 2.5-3mm pearls. We have classified these beautiful pearls as cultured, as this brooch has not been x-rayed, but it is possible that they are perfectly matched natural seed pearls. The pearls are brilliantly set in a melee style bed of gold. One of the 50 pearls at the lower left may be a replacement, but its slight color variation is only noticeable upon close examination with a jeweler's loupe, and of course, our highly magnified photos.

The splendid setting is a wonderment in itself. Its back is solid, crafted of thick 18K yellow gold and curved in the style of a superior antique pocket watch case. The edges of the solid gold setting are beautifully scalloped and notched, culminating in the 2.5mm thick melee settings for the pearls. The original brooch pin hinge and c-clasp are present. The pin itself appears to be silver for stability and was originally soldered to the 18K gold hinge itself. Due to the hefty weight of this brooch, an 18K pin would have proven too weak for support, yesteryear or today. There is no hallmark or maker's mark stamp, so it is most likely a custom creation for very discriminating tastes (not for the masses) where cost was no object.

This beautiful cameo brooch would woo any antique jewelry collector. It is not only gorgeous to wear and display, but just holding it in one's hand evokes awe. Treat that special woman on your gift list, or better yet, treat yourself!

This daunting Greek god will be delivered in an elegant rosewood and leather presentation case, ready for gift giving and storage. In addition, we will include a complimentary lucite cameo stand, as this piece of art jewelry history is just too beautiful not to display!

Item ID: C-1460

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Magnificent Carving and Lots of Gold