Antique Hand Carved Sardonyx Shell Front Facing Cameo Brooch Pendant

This unusual hand carved front facing sardonyx cameo features the bust of a young woman. The young lady's head is turned to the right and her chin is slightly lifted. She wears a hint of a smile on her lips. Her face and neck are framed by an ornate hairstyle consisting of long ringlets secured at the ears with a pair of flowers along with strands of hair gathered at the top of her head where they terminate in a profusion of curls. As seen in the accompanying g photographs, the bust has the appearance of polished marble and stands out from the dark reddish brown bottom layer. The cameo is housed in a gold-tone frame with scrolling details ornamented with granulation and four polished diamond-shaped accents. The back of the piece is fitted with a fixed loop at the top and a hinged pin stem with a rollover safety clasp.

The cameo is in very good condition and displays beautifully. The pin/rollover clasp are fully functional and it should also be noted that the fixed loop at the back has been soldered slightly left of center. As a vintage piece, the cameo shows appropriate signs of age including a slight rough spot on the tip of the nose and areas of tarnish to the gold tone metal, all of which are mentioned for accuracy. The shell itself has naturally occurring anomalies including internal lines that do not extend to the surface and an area of discoloration at the back - none of which can be seen from the front. The cameo itself measures 1.625" by 1.375" and is approximately 0.625" at its deepest point.

This elegant hand carved front facing cameo would be a wonderful addition to a collection of antique and/or vintage cameos or to a wider collection of jewelry. A very pretty miniature work of art!