Antique Victorian 2" Shell Cameo Venus & Cupid Brooch 12K Gold

Jewelry : Antique : Fine : Victorian : Cameo : Sardonyx Shell : Mythological : Venus & Cupid : Brooch : 12k Yellow Gold

 

This lovely genuine Italian carved cameo depicts a full figure Venus (Aphrodite) dancing with her son, and constant companion, Cupid (Eros). The carving is very well done with fine detail. It was expertly carved from sardonyx shell in the 1880's. Venus swirls herself and her ribbons as Cupid buzzes around her for her pleasure. Cupid has always been known to amuse his mother with his antics,

The solid 12K (electronically tested and guaranteed at least 12K) yellow gold setting is very hefty and finely crafted with a large rope twist surround accent. The brooch pin closes with an old c-clasp. A bale could easily be added for use as a pendant. The craftsmanship put into this setting is very nice and perfect for this lovely cameo. The solid gold setting is British. In 1932, the British 12K gold standard was discontinued, along with 15K, in favor of 14K gold (585). Used in the UK only from 1854-1932, 12K yellow gold jewelry is highly collectible today along with 15K that was also discontinued The goldsmith charges for having a loose cameo of this size set in a substantial gold setting today would start at about $700.00. For this reason, most modern settings are fairly lightweight and still would cost as much as this entire set cameo itself.

The cameo in the setting measures 2 " by 1 11/16" and the cameo alone is 1 5/8" by 1 5/16". It weighs 14.8 grams.

A cameo lovers' dream, it is carved from a very thick shell that is destined and constructed to last many centuries as a wonderful heirloom. The back of the cameo shell has several markings that include what appears to be "8/C" and an upside down "4". These could have been some sort of inventory numbers and I don't believe it is a signature.

The cameo and setting are in excellent original condition. Do note that at bottom of the setting what was likely the original loop for a safety chain was removed. Likely done with the cameo itself in place, the points were smoothed yet not completely ground down. Our goldsmith can certainly smooth this area out when a bail is being added. She has the hand of an angel when it comes to cameos--very adept and experienced at removing and resetting cameos for bail additions and retrofits.

Venus was the great Olympian goddess of beauty, love, pleasure and procreation. She was depicted as a beautiful woman usually accompanied by the winged godling Cupid (Love). Her attributes included a dove, apple, scallop shell and mirror.

This amply sized cameo is a fine depiction of Venus, in all her beauty, carved in a coveted full body scene with her adorable son and companion Cupid. All the attributes cameo collector's and lovers crave in this scene with two of mythology's most loved figures. Very beautiful and very collectible!

For a wonderful Present, give a gift from the Past!

For that number one cameo lover or collector on your gift list, or treat yourself. Elegantly gift boxed for presentation and storage. In addition, you will receive a copy of our cameo care instructions to keep your cameos glowing for generations to come.

When you find the perfect gift, you needn't worry about the perfect box. Presentation is where it's at. We all love it!

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: RL-00698

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Beauty and Love