Victorian Carved Medusa Cameo Turquoise Gold Pin

View Similar Items

Antique Victorian Carved Agate Cameos 3 Pins Pendant 12k Gold Pearls Hair

Victorian Turquoise Bar Pin

Elegant 14k Yellow Gold Victorian Turquoise Pin

Superb Victorian Agate Cameo 18 Karat Gold Mythology Perseus Medusa Stickpin

Etruscan Victorian 18K Gold Enamel Turquoise Coral Pin

Victorian 10k Onyx Hardstone Cameo Pin

Victorian Mythological Cameo Silver Pin Pendant

Victorian Turquoise and 15 Carat Gold Pin Brooch

A Victorian Carved Hardstone Cameo Brooch

Victorian 14k Gold Carved Cameo Brooch Pendant

Victorian Gold Agate Cameo Hair Brooch / Pin Pendant Never Used

Large Victorian 18 Karat Gold GIA No Dye Carved Coral Cameo Pearl Brooch Pin

Want more images or videos?

Request additional images or videos from the seller

1 of 7

Victorian Carved Medusa Cameo Turquoise Gold Pin

About the Item

The earliest known use of shell for cameo carving was during the 15th and 16th centuries. Before that, cameos were carved from hardstone. The Renaissance cameos are typically white on a grayish background and were carved from the shell of a mussel or cowry. In the mid 18th century, explorations revealed new shell varieties. Helmet shells from the West Indies, and queen conch shells from the Bahamas arrived in Europe, thus sparking a big increase in the number of cameos that were carved from shells. This large French cameo is a hand-carved locket pin and pendant from the Victorian (ca1880) era! Set within an ornate 18kt yellow gold bezel setting, the profile of Medusa graces the center of the piece. The image is highly detailed, including intricate facial features, delicate wisps of hair, and serpents that are camouflaged within her hair and coiled at her neck. Resting at one side of her head is a small feathered wing that peaks out from her tendrils of hair. A magnificent gold frame surrounds the outside of the entire cameo and displays incredible textured detail throughout. Resting at each side of the piece is a floral turquoise cluster atop a raised leaf setting. The back of the piece reveals a bar pin with c-catch clasp, two hidden bails at the top with a safety chain, and a large removable glass frame where a special photo can be stored inside. This stunning cameo is extremely substantial in size and makes a wonderful statement piece. It is perfect for a collector or lover of Victorian jewelry! The brooch measures approximately 2 5/8" tall, 2 1/4" wide, and 3/4” at its thickest point.

Metal:
18k Gold
Stone:
Agate,Turquoise
Dimensions:
Width: 2.25 in (57.15 mm)Length: 2.63 in (66.81 mm)
Style:
Victorian
Place of Origin:
France
Period:
1880-1889
Date of Manufacture:
Circa 1880
Condition:
Wear consistent with age and use. The overall condition of the piece is great. Besides normal surface wear, there is no apparent damage to the carved cameo or surrounding gold frame. The bar pin and safety chain are all secure, and the glass locket frame is intact.
Seller Location:
Narberth, PA
Reference Number:
Seller: 374161stDibs: LU328504732