SOLD Mid Victorian 18K Sardonyx Banded Agate Stone Cameo Ring - Size 6

Jewelry : Antique : Fine : Victorian : Cameo : Carved : Hardstone : Agate : Ring : 18k Yellow Gold

 

Ample in size, quality and beauty, this mid-19th century hardstone cameo ring is truly a delight! The deep whiskey colored sardonyx stone just radiates Old World elegance.

The portrait carving depicts a European beauty with very realistic facial features and glorious glorious hair and dress. This level of carving is much more difficult in stone as opposed to the softer shell. Soft curves abound in her face with even a perfect ear and long drop earring!

The entire face of the ring measures 20x14mm (just over 3/4" by 9/16" wide). The carving itself measures 18x12.5mm by 6mm thick. We estimate age to 1850-1870. And this lovely lady is gorgeous at over 150 years old! This cameo has amazingly thick relief that has been unblemished through time, with no chips, cracks or the common broken nose. There is a full European hallmark that has paled over time, with only "18ct" legible, but it has been tested and guaranteed. There is also a maker's mark of "MM".

This setting itself is quite interesting with the cameo resting on a simplistic double rectangular bed that was hand pressed. The setting is open behind the stone. There is a split shank and ample 2mm band. The ring measures a U.S. size 6 but may fit up to a 6.5 with the extra room under the stone. Total weight is 4.5 grams.

This ring is in excellent condition without damage or need of repair. The bezel setting itself displays the endearing work of the human hand--never totally precise--which adds warmth to this ring. The shank does not appear to have ever been resized, making it simple to resize up or down for a custom fit. In bright light and high powered magnification, there can be viewed only a handful of fleabites or nicks to the outer edges of the stone, which is very rare for a hardstone cameo of this age. These are not viewable with the naked eye.

Gemstone and banded agate cameos are considered the original mediums of cameo carvers and the most difficult to carve. Much harder than shell and coral, and not uniformly colored like gemstones, the unique layered bands of the agate stone make their carving indeed a challenge. Popular agate stones used for cameos are the sardonyx, carnelian and onyx.

During the Renaissance Period, 15th century, carved cameos resurfaced as an art form and medium for jewelry. The Medici family of Florence, Italy, were great patrons of the arts and are credited with restoring the popularity of cameos jewelry throughout Europe. At about the same time, a very high quality agate mine was discovered in southern Germany. This region soon became the center for cameo art and, by the beginning of the 19th century, possessed the most important agate deposits in the world. Skillful experts who have preserved this technique are now found primarily in Idar-Oberstein, Germany. Considered the home of gemstone cameo carving, this town is located in the mountains of southwestern Germany near its border with France. The skill of Idar-Oberstein carvers influenced the origins of the Italian shell cameo, which we all love and adore, as well. This area pioneered, and is credited with developing, refining and upholding the standards for carving quality stone cameos. The once rich deposits of these German mines have today been exhausted and the world is now dependent on South America for its supply of high quality layered agate material for new stone cameo carving.

This beauty will be delivered in a lovely antique style presentation box. Octagonal in shape, the locking black leather box makes a great companion for this ring. Small in stature but so close to what the original box for this ring probably looked like. Presentation is where it's at, and this ring and box make a great show together. I love it and so will she.

Item ID: C-1591

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Antique stone cameos are an investment to wear & enjoy!