Skip to main content
Want more images or videos?
Request additional images or videos from the seller
1 of 6

Renaissance Revival Carved Opal Cameo Pendant

$61,938.72
£45,000
€52,747.26
CA$84,558.12
A$94,067.45
CHF 49,311.34
MX$1,149,481.30
NOK 627,918.35
SEK 591,098.26
DKK 393,738.26
Shipping
Retrieving quote...
The 1stDibs Promise:
Authenticity Guarantee,
Money-Back Guarantee,
24-Hour Cancellation

About the Item

A Renaissance Revival carved opal cameo pendant, the cameo attributed to Wilhelm Schmidt depicting Arion riding a dolphin, to elaborate surround of renaissance style incorporating scrolls and two griffins, bearing polychrome enamel decorations and encrusted with two rose-cut diamonds, to a closed back bearing enamel decorations depicting a column surrounded by the Latin word COLUMNAE, terminating to a pearl drop, all suspended by three pearl-set chains with a scrolling upper section set with a faceted emerald, all mounted in gold, circa 1880, measuring approximately 11x3.5cm, gross weight 26.5 grams. Footnote: Wilhelm Schmidt in correspondance: "In reply to your wish to be informed when opal cameos were first cut in Europe, I may mention the date of 1874, when I invented the new process of cutting opal cameos in such a manner as to utilise the matrix of rough opal for the ground... Mr John Brogden exhibited the first one, which I cut, amongst his other exhibits at the Paris Exhibition, 1878..." This magnificent and important Renaissance revival pendant comes from the collection of Bentley & Skinner, the London jewellers by appointment to both Her Majesty the Queen and His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales. This pendant features an upper section with a verdant and bright emerald, from which is suspended three chains set with lustrous pearls. Hanging from the chains is a spectacular framed cameo depicting the Ancient Greek poet Arion, who, in Greek folklore, was said to have been rescued by a dolphin while lost at sea. The cameo is carved from opal and is attributed to William Schmidt, who invented a new process for cutting opals in 1874. Opal cameos are rare due to the fragility of the stone, and Schmidt used blanks covered with a thin layer of opal. Surrounding the cameo is a frame of bright gold with wonderful and colourful enamel detail, and a single lustrous pearl drop. This piece incorporates both Renaissance and Ancient Greek styles to create a true masterpiece of late Victorian craftsmanship and design. Schmidt never signed his work but produced many carved opals which have been later attributed to him, some examples of which today can be found in the Natural History Museum, London, the British Museum, and the Fitzwilliam Museum, Cambridge. Should you choose to make this purchase we would be delighted to send it to you in a Bentley & Skinner handmade leather case packed in a gift-wrapped Bentley & Skinner black and gold presentation box. Shortly afterwards we will send you on a valuation for insurance purposes for your reference and safekeeping.

More From This Seller

View All
Belle Époque Miniature Pendant
Located in London, GB
A Belle Epoque navette-shape miniature pendant, set to the centre with a grisaille miniature depicting Venus and Eros, pressumed by Paillet, set under domed crystal surrounded by a rose-cut diamond-set frame and yellow gold back, terminating to three pearl and diamond-set drops, all suspended by a fine platinum and seed pearl-set chain, bearing Inventory number 4514, French hallmarks for gold and platinum and indistinct maker’s mark, circa 1900, the pendant measuring approximately 6.3 x 2.2cm, the chain is measuring approximately 40cm long, gross weight 7.8 grams. Fernand Paillet (1850-1918) was a painter of miniatures for the Paris jeweller Boucheron. This gorgeous Belle Epoque pendant necklace, typical of the French jeweller Boucheron, was made around 1900 and is from the collection of Bentley & Skinner, the London jewellers by appointment to both Her Majesty the Queen and His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales. The navette-shaped pendant features a delicate miniature painting of Venus...
Category

Antique Early 1900s French Belle Époque Drop Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Platinum

Edwardian Opal and Diamond Pendant
Located in London, GB
An Edwardian opal and diamond pendant, the central circular opal is surrounded by old brilliant-cut diamonds in a platinum millegrain setting suspended ...
Category

Vintage 1910s British Edwardian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Platinum

Victorian Gem-Set Gold Holbeinesque Pendant
Located in London, GB
A Victorian gem-set Holbeinesque pendant, to the centre a cabochon emerald set between four octagonal-cut garnets surrounded by an oval yellow gold moun...
Category

Antique 19th Century British Holbeinesque Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Emerald, Garnet, Gold

Victorian Hardstone Cameo Brooch Pendant
Located in London, GB
A Victorian hardstone cameo brooch pendant with blue enamel and pearl surround, the hardstone cameo depicting a female face in the Roman style s...
Category

Antique Mid-19th Century English High Victorian Brooches

Materials

Pearl, Agate, Yellow Gold, Enamel, 18k Gold

French Late 19th Century Gem-Set Fly Locket
Located in London, GB
A French late 19th century gem-set fly locket, the thorax an old cushion-cut diamond estimated to weigh 0.5 carats, the eyes and wings set with rose-cut dia...
Category

Antique 1890s French Art Nouveau Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Rock Crystal, Ruby, 18k Gold

Victorian Holbeinesque Pendant
Located in London, GB
A Victorian Holbeinesque pendant, set to the centre with an oval cabochon-cut garnet measuring 18mm x 13mm, surrounded by six old brilliant-cut diamonds, set within yellow gold squar...
Category

Antique 1870s British Victorian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Garnet, Yellow Gold, Enamel, Gold, 18k Gold

Victorian Holbeinesque Pendant
$19,269
Free Shipping

You May Also Like

Finely detailed antique Edwardian carved opal cameo necklace (circa 1910s), craf
Located in Torrance, CA
Carved opal measures 40mm x 36mm (8mm thick). Old European and rose cut diamonds total an estimated 0.15 carats (estimated at I-J color and SI1-I1 clarity). 3 small calibre cut rubie...
Category

Early 20th Century Unknown Edwardian Drop Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Opal, Platinum

Antique Opal and 18 Karat Gold Pendant, 19th Century
Located in Rotterdam, NL
This magnificent 19th-century antique pendant is a testament to the opulence and craftsmanship of the era. Fashioned from 18-karat gold, the pendant features a large, captivating ova...
Category

Antique 19th Century European Victorian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Opal, 18k Gold, Gold

Renaissance Cameo Pendant
Located in New Orleans, LA
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...
Category

Antique 17th Century Italian Renaissance Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Multi-gemstone, Pearl, 18k Gold, Enamel

Antique Victorian 21k Yellow Gold Hardstone Cameo Pendant with Cannetille Detail
Located in New York, NY
A remarkable Victorian pendant showcasing exquisite craftsmanship. Crafted in luxurious gold, this pendant features an intricately carved cameo at its center. The cameo depicts a del...
Category

Antique Early 19th Century Victorian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Agate, 18k Gold

Antique 20.61 Quartz Hardstone and Pearl Yellow Gold Cameo Brooch / Pendant
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive antique hardstone and pearl, 18 karat yellow gold cameo brooch / pendant; part of our diverse antique jewelry and estate jewelry collections. This stunning, fine and impressive antique pendant / brooch with pearls has been crafted in 18k yellow gold. The oval shaped frame is ornamented to the centre with a stunning 20.61Ct cameo hardstone, depicting a female figure draped in fabric and leaning against a pillar. The hardstone panel is framed by a scrolling yellow gold border accented with twenty-seven natural and seed pearl graduating in size. A further impressive pearl terminates and articulates from the lower border of the stunning design within a trifurcating setting. The upper border of the antique cameo brooch is embellished with pierced decorated scalloped ornamentation in addition to impressive curvilinear banner style motif. The brooch secures to the reverse with a hinged pin and clasp. This stunning and versatile antique brooch can also be worn as a pendant via a later attached bale to the reverse of the setting, suspending from a contemporary 9k yellow gold 45.72cm/18" curb. This antique cameo pendant has been independently tested using state of the art technology (Niton XL2 Analyzer) and verified as 18 karat gold. This impressive brooch / pendant is supplied with an independent diamond grading report card. Images do not always reflect the true color and brilliance of gemstones and diamonds. The video however provides a truer representation of the actual color and showcases each stone. Condition This antique brooch is exceptional quality set with a stunning hardstone cameo, in addition to impressive pearls displaying a fine colour and lustre. The antique cameo pendant in gold is an exceptional gauge of gold and is in exceptional condition. Reflections in photographs may detract from the true representation of this fine example of antique quartz cameo...
Category

Antique 1880s Unknown Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Pearl, Quartz, Yellow Gold

Vintage 1975 9ct Gold Chalcedony Pearl Pendant Brooch
Located in London, GB
Vintage 1970s gold pendant brooch crafted from a polished chalcedony cabochon set in a stunning bright yellow 9ct gold mount adorned with pearls. A ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary English Rococo Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Chalcedony, Pearl, Gold, 9k Gold