SALE Antique Edwardian Cleopatra Shell Cameo Brooch/Pendant 12K Gold Vermeil

Jewelry : Antique : Fine : Edwardian : Cameo : Carnelian Shell : Cleopatra : Brooch : Pendant : 12k Yellow Gold Vermeil

 

A cameo fit for your queen....Centuries ago, Julius Caesar presented Cleopatra with a shell cameo as a sign of his affection for the Egyptian Queen. But it was Marc Antony's affection for which Cleopatra yearned and ultimately died. Perhaps if Caesar had only presented her with this rare and gorgeous cameo beauty....

No cameo collection is complete without a depiction of Cleopatra. We are ourselves avid collectors of them. Their supply is low but the demand is great, making a Cleopatra cameo not only a beautiful piece of jewelry but an excellent investment as well. This one stands out from the rest.

This is the classic depiction of the sultry Cleopatra, Queen of the Nile. It is her "famous" and highly collectible pose, with the deadly asp lurking on her chest, ready to strike. The carving is signed on the back by the master carver, but I cannot make out the letters. Maybe you will have better luck (eyes).

The cameo in the setting measures 50mm or 2" tall, not including the bail, by 40mm, just over 1 9/16" wide. The cameo itself measures 42x30mm (1 1/2" by 1 1/8"). The total weight is 14.2 grams. The 12K vermeil heavily detailed setting was meticulously hand made from 800 Silver with a thick hand etched bezel mount for the cameo. The brooch pin features an early locking double c-clasp and there is a fold -down, hide-away bail for wear as a pendant.

The artisan gave Cleopatra beautiful facial features, crowned curls to perfection that are slightly triple carved (use of three layers), draping gown and the deadly asp slithering along her exposed breast with anatomically correct nipple included. With a loupe, one can even see the snake's left eye. The asp represents the method in which Cleopatra took her own life, committing suicide by lethal cobra bite when she heard the news of her beloved Mark Anthony's death. Anthony had suddenly taken his own life when it was erroneously reported to him that the Egyptian queen was dead.

Both the cameo itself and setting possess all of the labor intensive details of a time long ago. The position of the asp near her exposed nipple is extraordinary. During the late 19th century, erotic carvings such as this were outwardly considered vulgar by prudent and hypocritical Victorians. Alas, Queen Victoria's hold on her subject's proper behavior was already waivering.

The carving is crisp and detailed and captures all the "desired" characteristics of Cleopatra cameos. (Many "proper" Victorian to Edwardian Period cameo depictions of Cleopatra will include all of her attributes, except for the nipple.) Both the carving and setting are definitively Italian in origin, but this beauty was acquired outside of London. Perhaps its original owner purchased it on a trip to Southern Italy to see Pompeii, bringing back this scandalous gem, poking fun at Queen Victoria's strict code of conduct. However, the original owner's family has truly prized it for over 100 years as she is a well preserved as any we have seen.

The cameo is in extremely perfect mint original condition. The thick shell exhibits no cracks and chips. When candled to the light, Cleo absolutely glows. The setting is in pristine condition with all marcasites in place and without damage.

Large and lovely depictions of the Queen of the Nile make great gifts. They are both beautiful and fun, too. These cameos do not go unnoticed. Cleo's details naturally draw the eye of her admirers in when worn, always leading to the question. "Is that a breast?" Simply a fine example of art history that everyone enjoys. Can't we all use a chuckle these days?

This beautiful Cleopatra cameo will be delivered in an elegant rosewood display box. An acrylic display stand is also included.

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-00790

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Queen of the Nile