Queen's Crown cameo

Queen Crown Pendant - made for a queen! Crown made in 10k mixed metals of 10k yellow gold and 10k white gold. This exquisite 10K yellow and white gold pendant has an ornate crown design that resembles a gorgeous Renaissance crown...

THIS IS A WONDERFUL ANTIQUE 18TH - 19TH CENTURY HAND PAINTED PORTRAIT MINIATURE OF A LADY, A ROYAL WOMAN, WITH EXTRAORDINARY DETAILS AND OF SUPERB QUALITY - RARE!! THE PORTRAIT, WIT...

0.925 sterling silver wrinkled crown pendant. Hallmarked "NJ," "18R". Large size 55 x 47 mm. Weight: 25.6 grams. Does not include a chain.

The cameo at the center of this exceptional pendant is a stunning example of the art of gem engraving during the Renaissance. It likely dates to the early 17th century and features a sacrificial scene inspired by the Greco-Roman era. The central flaming altar is flanked by two figures preparing to sacrifice a ram, while a figure in a lion skin blowing horns stands in the left corner. The carver brilliantly uses the natural layers of the stone to achieve the illusion of shadow and musculature on the figures. A second, smaller cameo is set at the top of the pendant, while a myriad of multi-colored gems, pearls and enamel adorns the 18K gold setting. A large Baroque pearl suspended from an enamel dragon finishes the design, which embodies the opulence and theatricality of jewels from the Renaissance age. Cameos and intaglios were highly popular amongst wealthy connoisseurs in Renaissance Italy, and owning the finest pieces was the privilege of princes. Although they were often elaborately mounted for display alone, cameos were also frequently worn as pendants, surrounded by enameled and stone-set gold frames. Such pieces were particularly prized by the Medici and Lorraine families, many of which can now be seen at the National Archeological Museum in Florence. Very few Renaissance cameos...