14k Gold Victorian Carnelian Seed Pearl Pendant this lovely piece features a Cameo on Carnelian set in a shield style yellow gold surround strung with seed pearl, finished with a tiny gold fob dangling at the bottom. Shown on a 14k gold bar style Victorian Fob chain, available separately.
We are not sure how this piece was worn initially but we added a lovely bail at the top so that it easy to wear on your favorite chain up to 2.5 mm dia. While it's not polite to comment on a woman's appearance we feel we should mention that the tip of lovely ladies nose has gone missing at some point in her last 180 or so years, we believe that adds to her character but she has been priced accordingly. It is our opinion that it is not very noticeable to the naked eye.
Comes ready to gift in a beautiful blue velvet jewelry box.
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CARE & MAINTENANCE: We recommend wipe clean with water dampened cloth or warm water and mild soap with soft bristle toothbrush as needed. Seed Pearls are especially delicate, if in doubt see a trusted jeweler. Keep out of direct sunlight and away from direct heat as it could deteriorate natural stone over time.
DESCRIPTION: 2.06g, 1.24" l x .65" w
HISTORY & FACTS: Early Cameos were made from stone. In the 16th century, workmen turned to shell to meet the demand for more cameos at less expensive prices,. For Women Cameos were set in rings, brooches, earrings, and bracelets. Men wore them in watch fobs, rings, and pins. Stone cameos were cut from onyx, agate, sardonyx, cornelian, coral, lava, and jet. The carvers of shell cameos used the shells of the Black Helmet and the pink and white Conch shells, which were plentiful in the seacoast towns in Europe.
During Georgian and Victorian times locks or lockets would hold a lock of hair or a photo behind a piece of glass in the back. These early lockets were decorated with floral engravings with different meanings of love and romance and often were set with foiled back colored gemstones. Sentimental jewelry was a favorite during this time period and into the Victorian era. Fobs with hardstone intaglios were also worn as pendants on long chains. The many beautiful fobs of this time period were designed in three colors of gold with repoussé work and the hard stone underneath which was also a seal was often engraved with significant sayings and motifs.
When we think of pendant necklaces, we often think of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Style evoked different movements in fashion, culture and art. Ultimately the general public was able to wear jewelry styles once only reserved for royalty or the wealthy.
