Large 55mm Edwardian Three Graces Shell Cameo Brooch Pendant Marcasite 800 Silver

Jewelry : Antique : Fine : Edwardian : Cameo : Shell : Cornelian : Mythology : Three Graces : Silver : Marcasites

 

This week's featured sale item. New price plus free shipment. Extra Large & Lovely Three Graces Shell Cameo with those dynamite marcasites that all women love.

Depictions of the mythological Three Graces abound in all forms of art. They are among the top ten themes in carved cameo collections, cherished for their symbolism of unity.

This early 20th century (1900-1910) cameo is both large and lovely. Carved from thick and vibrantly colored carnelian shell with high relief, it is a graceful depiction of the Three Graces, hand in hand, merrily dancing with a floral garland above their heads. It is set in an 800 silver frame that is embellished with 55 sparkling marcasites, which were referred to as black diamonds by Victorians. Their glow is the perfect adornment for any cameo.

The entire setting, not including the fold down bail measures 55mm, or just under 2 3/16" tall, by 42mm, or 1 5/8". Including the bail, the total length is 2 3/8". It is clearly stamped "800". There is a pin with early locking clasp to wear as a brooch and the bail is nicely sized to accommodate more modern chains. The total weight is 15 grams. The silver bezel and surround are quite thick, as attested to by its substantial weight.

Now to the stars of this creation....The Three Graces (Charites) were the goddesses of charm, beauty, nature, human creativity and fertility. In Roman mythology, they were referred to as The Gratiae. They were great lovers of beauty and gave humans talents in the arts, closely associated (and sometimes confused with the Muses, of which there are actually nine. The Graces were the daughters of Zeus and Eurynome and named Aglaia (Splendor), Euphosyne (Mirth) and Thalia (Good Cheer). Always together, they preside over banquets, dances and other pleasurable social events, bringing joy and goodwill to all.

The cameo is in excellent condition, supple and without chips or cracks. The setting is in perfect condition, without damage and with no evidence of repairs. All 55 original marcasites are present and sturdy. The back of the cameo carving is signed by the artisan in large flowing letters than we cannot discern.

This beautiful Three Graces cameo would make a great gift for any antique jewelry lover. Gorgeous, sweet and euphoric.

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-1494

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Dancing for you!