Antique Victorian Whitby Jet Cameo Pendant Necklace, circa 1860

Polished to a gloss, this Victorian Whitby Jet Cross is voluptuous in density and detail and smooth to touch.. It is hand carved and sculptural. Note the three curves at the cross en...

A beautiful antique Victorian era Whitby Jet pendant. This is a large teardrop shaped pendant with a mounted plaque of carved fleur-de-lis to the front and an integral jet bale. It...

The sweetest little antique puffy heart pendant. Victorian era it is carved from inky black Whitby Jet with a silver plated jump ring and Jet bale. Well carved with a lovely chunky...

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...

This is a gorgeous and very rare original Antique 14 Karat Gold Etruscan Revival Victorian - Belle Epoque Necklace of great beauty. The necklace is 18 inches long. The Etruscan jew...

Victorian matt black Whitby Jet lorgnette bead necklace. Composed of small round hand knotted beads, six large elongated kite shape beads flanked by round beads of woven matt Whitby ...