Victorian 14K Hardstone Onyx Cameo Pin Pendant Etruscan Revival 22.8 Gr

Beautifully carved and mounted, this ca 1880 Cameo brooch/pendant is wrought from 14k yellow gold with a high relief carving of Flora in white against a black onyx background. The frame has gorgeous Etruscan Revival scrolling fretwork done in thick 14-15k gold. The cameo is held high upon the oval of black onyx by 28 fancy prongs. The carving itself is masterfully executed and shows a woman in profile; her hair is loosely piled on her head and interwoven with flowers. She has the long aquiline Roman nose. The necklace bail is hinged so that it can be folded out of sight if the piece is worn as a pin. The back of the pin has three long clips; the bottom one could function as a watch holder. The brooch has the old Trombone hinge and a C-clasp. There are no hallmarks but it has been tested to be at least 14k, probably 15k, gold.

The oval onyx measures 3omm x 23mm. The pin measures 2" x 1 5/8" x 3/4" deep (without the bail). It weighs 22.8 grams. Condition is excellent. There is a smudge on her cheek in the photos. It was a little surface dirt which has since been removed.