SOLD Victorian Shell Cameo Sash Buckle Juno's Heavenly Chariot Ride

Clothing : Antique : Victorian : Sash : Belt : Buckle : Cameo : Shell

 

It's good to be queen. This scenic shell cameo depicts the Roman goddess, Juno (Greek goddess Hera), the goddess of Marriage and queen of all the gods and goddesses, driving her chariot across the heavens. These chariot scenes were an important part of both Greek and Roman mythology and a very popular theme for cameo carvers. Perhaps this hand crafted jewel once graced the waistline of a Victorian wedding dress, who knows? The depiction of the Marriage Goddess beginning her travels through the day and life. Its soft color palette would indeed be a treasure today for a modern bride's Victorian wedding theme, no?

This heavenly cameo was set into a sturdy sash buckle setting and is from around 1880-1910, late Victorian to Edwardian Period. An aristocratic woman's dresses would have been made of yards and yards of beautifully decorated fabric, nipped in at the waist with full skirts, crinolines and bustles. High necklines for day, low necklines for evening, but all with those tiny waists. Mounds of fabric drawn in at the waist created that sought after "S" shape that the beloved (?) corset--mother's little helper--helped to engineer. Lavish decoration with an exotic sash or cord was just not enough for some women. They wanted that special something, that favorite pin or jewelry to decorate that "engineered" waistline.

Sash pins and buckles were the height of fashion in 1890. They could be found in a vast variety of styles and designs, from simple to ornate, for every day wear or dress up affairs. A treasured cameo, set as a sash buckle would have been a perfect accent. After all, not everyone could own one of these alluring miracles of nature, brought to life by the human hand!

In the 19th century, owning a hand carved cameo exhibited worldly knowledge of travel and appreciation of art and its history. The study of mythology was intriguing mystery to the Victorians. A one of a kind carving created from a skilled hand brought grace and sophistication when worn as a brooch, but truly exhibited grand innovative style and worldliness when accessorized as a sash or belt buckle. It was the lucky woman who owned a genuine shell cameo brooch, most likely a memento of a loved one's travels to Italy or perhaps even her own. Most cameos were brought back home loose to be set by a local jeweler to suit the taste of its owner. It could be worn high on the collar, or pinned at her waist for a wonderful eye catching accessory.

Some antique buckles actually started out their life as a brooch, having been converted at a later date. This shell cameo is in its original buckle setting. The sturdy tubular setting is Pinchbeck or similar yellow gold base metal. The cameo is bezel set just like a brooch would be. In the back, there is a loop on one side and a wide hook on the other. Fabric or ribbon could be looped through one end and cinched tied tightly on the other side in a variety of fashions.

The buckle setting measures 45mm (1 13/16") by 38mm (1 1/2") and weighs 10.3 grams. The wire loop opening measures approximately 1 1/8" and the curved hook measures about 3/8" wide. All parts are sturdy and not malleable or brittle. The shell cameo is in excellent condition without cracks or chips without too much age related smoothing. Smoothing to a carving is caused from repeated human touch when worn. You would think that an item such as a belt buckle would be touched way more than a brooch when worn, but not so. Most women inadvertently caress that beloved jewelry around the neck. This is a very wearable antique sash buckle. The cameo is firmly in its setting. When candled to the light, one can see several internal growth plates. These layered plates would have been concentric to the entire shell, but in a cut away cameo they curve from left to right. These natural lines do not break the surface. In fact, this shell is very supple and glossy without dryness at all.

As wife to Zeus, Hera was considered the goddess of marriage. Married to the ultimate philanderer, her strength as awe inspiring and a testament to devotion to the institution of marriage. Known as Juno It is no wonder she was worshiped by so many. However, mythological studies show that Hera was no lamb. She had quite a temper and dispensed very harsh punishment to those who coupled with her husband, betrayed her and her marriage. The mythological tales are endless. Perhaps this is from which comes the saying, "Hell has no wrath like a woman scorned". Lucky for Zeus he could transform himself into an eagle and fly away!

This buckle makes a great accessory for a scarf worn at the waistline or neck, only limited by your imagination. Or pair it with a simple ribbon for a more subdued look. Its great condition enables you to wear it without worry.

It will be delivered in an elegant presentation box, perfect for gift giving and storage, along with a copy of our easy cameo care instructions.

Item ID: C-1573