SALE Signed Victorian Neptune (Poseidon) God of the Sea 12K Shell Cameo Swivel Brooch/Pendant

Antique & Vintage Jewelry : Antique : Fine : Victorian : Cameo : Sardonyx Shell : Mythological : Poseidon : Brooch : Pendant : 12k Yellow Gold

 

This is a daunting left facing sardonyx shell cameo carving of the Roman god, Neptune, also known as Poseidon in Greek mythology, holding his symbolic trident staff at his left shoulder, looking out over the sea.

The ornate 12K gold brooch setting measures 52x55mm, and the cameo itself measures 41x33mm. The cameo is set in a thick bezel which is mounted to the elaborate surround at top and bottom on a swivel, which allows the bezel to pivot around 360 degrees. The carving depicts a mighty and most handsome Neptune, with the sea breeze flowing through his long locks. His muscular arm and hand bear his trident. The details of his face are fantastic, as well as his arm and clenched hand. There is minimal age related smoothing to the details of his hair.

The cameo is signed by the artist on the back. The signature appears to read "See", which most likely was the talented carver's nickname. The total weight is 18.4 grams.

Circa 1840, the original t-hinge and c-clasp are still in place, along with the original brooch pin, which is extra long and extends out beyond the setting. There is a loop at top from which a safety chain would have originally hung, and perfect for easily adding a bail to wear as a pendant. Or, we will be happy to replace the safety chain for you with one of equivalent age. The shell itself is quite thick and extremely supple for its age, without any flaws, cracks or chips. Extremely well preserved.

There originally would have been a thick glass mounted in the bezel's back to preserve a memento, or lock of hair, from a loved one. Perhaps this was indeed a mourning cameo, for a loved one tragically lost at sea, or perhaps just away on a long voyage. These glass compartments were usually sealed quite tightly, so perhaps the memento was retrieved at some point and, alas the glass not replaced. The engineering of swivel mounts is mesmerizing, even without the glass, which could be added back along with a photo of a loved one. All antique jewelry collectors and lovers should have a swivel cameo that actually still works, truly a piece of art history.

The 3mm outer surround, from which the bezel swivels, is hand crafted of 12K yellow gold and quite detailed compared to most of this period. There is no hallmark, but the frame has been tested and guaranteed at 12K (500) gold. It is decorated with swirls of 4mm gold ribbons at North and South, with two thick, solid, not hollow, half moons and one full moon at East and West. The ribbons and moons all feature detailed floral engravings. The full moon at left has a tiny loss of gold on the edge, only noticed if pointed out and viewed under magnification.

The finish work to the setting is marvelous. It is quite well preserved and everything is original with no sign of repairs, which is a marvel in itself on these pieces, with most missing a piece here and there, and being full of ancient soft solder repairs.

Neptune was the Roman god of Sea and Earthquakes. Neptune's father, Cronos, was defeated by Neptune and his two brothers, Jupiter (Zeus) and Pluto (Hades). The brothers then divided Creation into three parts, with Neptune taking the Sea, his brother Pluto the underworld and Jupiter the sky.

Sailors prayed to Neptune for a safe voyage, sometimes drowning horses as a sacrifice. So the image of a horse is also often associated with Neptune. He was indeed known for his terrible temper and was able to contrive deadly earthquakes, shipwrecks and drownings with a strike of his trident to the ground....thus the nickname "Earth Shaker". When in a good mood, however, Neptune created new islands and calm seas. He fell in love with the water nymph, Amphitrite. When she refused his proposal of marriage, Neptune sent one of his dolphins out to plead to Amphitrite again for her hand in marriage. The dolphin did indeed change her mind and she said "yes". (Watch for our Amphitrite Riding the Dolphins cameo being listed soon) Neptune was so elated, he honored the dolphin by sending him to the heavens as the constellation Dolphinus.

The trident, a three-pronged fishing spear is also associated with the god of the sea. In Greek myth, Poseidon used his trident to create water sources and the horse (created by striking a camel). He used his trident to stir up tidal waves, tsunamis and sea storms. In Roman myth, Neptune also used a trident to create bodies of water and cause earthquakes. Statues in his honor can be found in both Italy and Greece, as well as other parts of Europe. It is thought that the planet Neptune was named for this ruler of the sea because of its deep sea blue color.

This antique beauty will be delivered in an elegant rosewood and white leather box, perfect for gift giving and storage. In addition, we will include a copy of our cameo care instructions.

Always free shipping 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-00794

--------------------
Bon Voyage