A remarkable survivor from the Victorian era, this antique pendant combines a finely carved hardstone cameo in carnelian, 14K yellow gold and delicate seed pearls in an unusually architectural setting.
The oval carnelian is carved in relief with the profile of a classical woman, her luminous pale portrait emerging dramatically against the rich reddish-brown ground of the stone. Unlike the more commonly encountered shell cameos, this example is carved from hardstone—a considerably more demanding material for the cameo carver.
The cameo is framed in 14K yellow gold within an open shield-like surround, with a graceful swag of tiny seed pearls following the lower edge. A diminutive gold drop completes the composition.
The result is unmistakably Victorian: romantic and feminine, yet wonderfully graphic and architectural.
We are not certain how the piece was originally worn. A 14K gold bail has been added so that it may now be enjoyed easily as a pendant and will accommodate a chain up to approximately 2.5mm in diameter.
DETAILS
• Genuine Victorian-era antique
• Circa mid-to-late 19th century
• 14K yellow gold
• Carved carnelian hardstone cameo
• Natural seed pearl accents
• Classical female profile
• Open shield-form setting
• Small articulated gold drop
• Added 14K gold bail
• Approx. 2.06 grams
• Approx. 1.24” L × .65” W
• Accommodates a chain up to approximately 2.5mm
• Chain shown in photographs is not included and is available separately
• One of a kind
CONDITION
This piece has survived approximately a century and a half and bears an imperfection that is important to disclose.
At some point during its long life, the very tip of the figure’s nose was lost from the carving.
We find the loss relatively unobtrusive when the pendant is viewed at normal wearing distance, and it does not diminish the extraordinary charm of the piece. In some ways, it is a wonderfully tangible reminder that this is an authentic antique that has been worn, treasured and passed through generations.
The condition has been taken into consideration in the pricing.
Please examine all photographs carefully, particularly the close-up images of the cameo, as they form an important part of the description.
ABOUT HARDSTONE CAMEOS
Cameo carving is an ancient art, but it experienced an extraordinary revival during the Georgian and Victorian periods.
While many nineteenth-century cameos were carved from shell, examples were also painstakingly cut from harder materials including agate, sardonyx, onyx and carnelian. The naturally contrasting layers and colors of these stones allowed a skilled carver to create a pale raised portrait against a darker ground.
Hardstone is substantially more resistant than shell and requires considerable skill and patience to carve. The crisp contrast of the pale classical profile against the warm carnelian ground gives this particular cameo its striking presence.
Victorian women wore cameos as brooches, pendants, bracelets, earrings and rings, often choosing classical subjects inspired by antiquity and the Grand Tour.
Today, we particularly love antique cameos worn less formally—on a simple gold chain or mixed into a collected arrangement of antique and contemporary jewelry.
CARE & MAINTENANCE
Antique seed pearls are particularly delicate and should be treated with care.
Avoid ultrasonic and steam cleaners, harsh chemicals, abrasives, perfume, hairspray and prolonged exposure to water. We recommend gently wiping the gold and carnelian with a soft cloth after wear while avoiding unnecessary handling of the seed pearls.
For deeper cleaning or repair, we recommend consulting a jeweler experienced with antique jewelry and seed pearls.
PLEASE NOTE
Please review all photographs carefully and pay close attention to measurements and the condition information above. Antique jewelry is not expected to appear new, and age-related wear is part of the character and history of the piece.
Please contact us with any questions before purchasing. No returns on jewelry.
Comes ready to gift in a beautiful blue velvet jewelry box.
