Gold Mounted Cameo Pendant Mid-19th Century

Oval-shaped, the cover set with an agate cameo male portrait bust, the grille a fine floral spray and initial name "B", with suspension ring. 1 in. (25 mm.) long without suspension r...

Piriform malachite flask set in a gold frame finely chiseled with floral motifs and interlace on amati gold background. The hinged cap opens on a gold cap. T...

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...

A silver mounted glass scent bottle with shaped baluster body, the part open work collar and foot are pierced and engraved. The circular lid has a s...

Articulated lorgnette in gold finely guilloché. The border is decorated with finely chiseled foliage. A medallion in the form of a shield includes a monogram. Articulated lorgnette i...

An important rectangular gold snuff box with rounded corners. The hinged cover is decorated with parallel strips forming a diamond pattern. The cover and base panels are adorned with...