Antique 1860s Victorian Jet Mourning Hairwork Pendant Necklace

A poignant and beautifully crafted example of Victorian mourning jewellery, this antique brooch dates to around 1880. The piece features an intricately carved floral design, formed f...

Garnet gemstones are the birthstone of January. The beautiful stones have been extremely popular since the 18th and 19th century, the gemstones are the ideal gem for that extravagant...

This Antique Victorian Diamond 18ct Gold Necklace is a timeless piece of understated elegance. Featuring a single antique solitaire diamond weighing approximately 0.15ct, the diamond...

Antique Victorian pendant featuring large oval locket set in yellow rolled gold. The interior of the locket has a hinged glass window, with a beautiful ornate design. The pendant hangs from a new 9ct yellow gold chain. Rolled gold is a hybrid metal consisting a thick layer of gold that is fused by heat to create one or both sides of a base metal of brass or copper. Usually rolled gold consists of 5% gold. This process was patented in England in 1817; it became popular in the 1920's and 1930's and was used in high quality vintage jewellery...

Antique Victorian large faux jet moulded pendant, hung on black ribbon with a pinchbeck dog clip. On the front is a profile of Queen Victoria in relief with a decorative edging, and the back is inscribed 'May Saints Embrace Thee with a Love like Mine 1892'. Measuring length 5.65cm / 2.2 inches by 4.3cm / 1.7 inches. There is a faceted black glass bead at the top of the pendant. The ribbon measures length 48.5cm / 19 inches. This is a beautiful detailed antique mourning pendant...

A charmingly sweet heart shaped pendant dates back to the Victorian era. It is composed of grain set rose cut diamonds scattered over the silver setting, totalling to 0.90 carat, inc...

Dating back to the 1860s, this early Victorian pendant is a beautiful piece of history. The clover design drops from a wonderfully crafted fleur de lis shaped bail, both set with old...

Welcome to Artisan Antiques based in Mayfair, London - We are delighted to offer this magnificent large antique 18ct gold shell cameo brooch/pendant locket made c.1860, depicting a figurehead of Hera - a Greek mythological goddess of women, marriage and childbirth (also referred to as Juno by the Romans). Its majestic presence, distinguished design and impressive size are immediately captivating even to the untrained eye and whilst undeniably attractive and delightful even at a quick glance, it is upon closer inspection that its true splendour and intricacy can be fully appreciated. The overall design features a whole array of wonderful embellishments and craftsmanship; a profusely decorated frame made from solid 18ct gold is accented with layers of applied gold ribbons/bows, beads and twist-rope borders. What is particularly noteworthy about this frame/border is the fact it has a concave 'doughnut' like shape that contours the cameo whilst also allowing for the spinning locket design to function flawlessly. Upon unfastening the rear pin, the central cameo spins around and presents a locket with a portrait of a gentleman and the fine mechanism and craftsmanship of the central piece can be further appreciated. The portrayal of Hera 'in profile' (side on) is simply splendid with crisp engravings, attractive proportions and an almost lifelike texture/facial expression in the manner of Renaissance sculptures. The reverse side of the brooch reveals a large pin for fastening on to a coat lapel or jumper with an additional later added safety chain. Further, the bail at the top allows for this piece to be worn as a magnificent pendant necklace. All of the combined factors make this cameo brooch a wonderful collectable piece of 19th-century antique jewellery history which would not only make for an excellent display piece but an inimitable and breathtaking brooch to wear on special occasions. Not only would the aesthetic be impressionable, but as a conversation starter, this brooch may serve as the perfect occasion to share your discerning historical/antiques passion...