Victorian 1860 Etruscan Revival Pendant Brooch in 18k Gold with Coral Carving

Etruscan revival mechanical beetle brooch. Fabulous antique piece, created in Rome Italy in the 19th century, circa 1870-1880. This magnificent brooch has been made in the shape of a scarab, with patterns of Etruscan and renaissance revival. Carefully crafted with multiples parts, made-ups in solid rich yellow gold of 18 karats which are finished with textured and incised designs. The wings of the scarab can be opened and close by a mechanical push button in the shape of a pistil to discover an arrangement of gemstones. It is embellished with a great assortment of natural earth mined opals...

French Etruscan-Merovingian revival brooch. Fantastic piece with gorgeous eye appeal, created in France back in the 1850. It was crafted in three dimensions with textured chiseled floriated patterns, in solid yellow gold of 18 karats. The style of this brooch is fascinating since mix together the styles of the Merovingian dynasty and the early Frankish ancient jewelry, with the 19th century fashion in vogue of the Etruscan-Byzantine revival. This piece is very enigmatic and unique!, it is embellished with applications of green enamel and white cloisonne enamel. It is constructed simulating an ancient fibula brooch...

Exceptional Victorian Etruscan Revival earrings. Very rare and highly decorated hexagonal pieces, created in England during the Victorian Era (1837-1901), circa 1850-1860 or earlier...

An organic motifs pendant, with Coral & Diamonds. Beautiful piece created in Italy during the mid-century period, circa 1960. The mounting has been created with intricates organics ...

A Victorian archaeological revival gold cross pendant brooch, the Greek cross composed of five square panels, each square bearing to the ce...

18 Karat yellow gold lapis lazuli butterfly carving turquoise moonstone diamond pendant brooch. The process of making this pendant brooch set i...

18 Karat gold labradorite butterfly carving pink tourmaline diamond pendant necklace The process of making this pendant brooch set in 18k gold with sparkling diamonds, started just ...

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...