A splendid hand-carved shell cameo from the late 1800s/early 1900s featuring the profile of a lovely young woman in an elegant scrolled gold-filled setting. The unusual shape of the cameo and setting are a reflection of its age and handmade nature . 
Sold with modern 18k gold vermeil chain. 
 
Ancient Sumerians created the first cameos, often used as seals. The ancient Greeks also used cameos as currency, and many of these pieces have been found in archaeological excavations. Cameos continued to be popular during the Roman Empire and were often used as signet rings. During the Renaissance, cameo jewelry experienced a revival, making it fashionable for men and women to wear cameos. The Victorian era was also a golden age for cameo jewelry, and many beautiful pieces were created during this time. To support what soon became a continental craze, Napoleon established a school in Paris and staffed it with abducted Sicilians who trained young Frenchmen in the glyptic art. For the first part of the 19th century, these artisans rivalled in output and excellence their Italian peers, producing some of the most innovative examples of the genre.
 
MATERIAL:
Shell, Gold Alloy 
 
AGE: 
1890 – 1920
 
CONDITION: 
Good – surface wear commensurate with age and use
 
SIZE: 
H 6.79 cm
W 2.5
 
WEIGHT:
6.79g
 
Please read descriptions and inspect photos carefully, paying careful attention to size and weight. Due to the age of antique and vintage jewelry, minor abrasions and wear of finishes is normal and appreciated. All items have been tested to be in working/usable condition, unless otherwise stated. Please take care to understand safe cleaning methods for each type of gem and metal. Jewelry pieces are carefully wrapped and shipped in an elegant black box. Antique boxes in photos are for illustrative purposes only.