Gold Sarcophagus Pencil Pendant

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...

This magnificent Renaissance Revival suffragette pendant is a masterpiece by the renowned Giuliano firm. A delicate balance of artistry and meaning, the design centers a fancy cut Ro...

This beautiful French watch pendant features a sublime, organic floral motif indicative of Art Nouveau jewelry design. Crafted of 18K gold, this elegant timepiece is enveloped in graceful angel...

Displaying a desirable deep red hue, the central ruby in this elegant pendant necklace weighs 1.03 carats. Accented by diamonds totaling 0.15 carats. Set in 18K yellow gold. Pendant...

by Sampson Mordan & Co, hallmarked for London, 1925, of plain cylindrical form, with ring terminal, length 10.3cm.

This exquisite antique propelling pencil dates back to the Victorian era, a time when writing instruments were not just functional but also s...

Designed in the late 1920s-1930s by Cartier Paris, this mechanical pencil pendant necklace is composed of 18K gold, enamel and rose-cut diamonds. The reeded telescoping cylinder with...

We love this unusual telescoping carpenters pencil made of 9K gold and gunmetal. Gunmetal is a smooth, black coated alloy of 9 parts copper and 1 part tin, and was used to make jewel...