Victorian Pendant 18 Karat Yellow Gold, Circa 1860

A vintage 18 karat yellow gold and silver diamond cross pendant. The cross is composed of 11 claw and grain set old cushion and lozenge shaped di...

A vintage amethyst and diamond drop pendant in 18 karat yellow gold, circa 1950. Designed as an elegant drop, with a grain set diamond bale and top of 0.12 carats approximately, ass...

An oval locket in 18 karat yellow gold by John Brogden, circa 1870 A larger sized oval locket in 18 karat yellow gold, in a plain polished finish opening to reveal two halves lined ...

A vintage Cartier ‘C de Cartier’ diamond pendant and chain 18 karat yellow gold, circa 2000. This elegant pendant is designed as a single roun...

This is a gorgeous 14 Karat Gold Victorian - Belle Epoque Picture Locket pendant in an Etruscan Revival Design of great beauty. The locket has the most stunning warm brushed 14 Kara...

One 18 karat yellow gold oval Victorian locket style pendant necklace with transparent glass and 18 karat yellow gold floral design, assembled to a handmade 18 karat yellow gold chai...

We are so delighted to offer this gorgeous Belle Epoque - Victorian Citrine Pendant Necklace in 14 Karat Yellow Gold. The magnificent antiqu...

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...