An extraordinary and very rare large antique Georgian French Sardonyx Double Cameo brooch. Hand-carved and set in an ornamental pinchbeck setting with a beautiful patina, this brooch features two women facing each other. C-Clasp.
I had the privilege of sourcing this cameo in Paris whilst with my daughter and sister. This piece is the perfect way to celebrate two women. Right-facing cameos are quite common, though those facing left are much scarcer. Double-cameos featuring both such as this are an extreme rarity.
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 glyphic art. For the first part of the 19th century, these artisans rivaled in output and excellence their Italian peers, producing some of the most innovative examples of the genre.
MATERIAL:
Sardonyx, Pinchbeck
AGE:
1800s
CONDITION:
Very good – surface wear commensurate with age and use
SIZE:
H: 4 cm
W: 5 cm
WEIGHT:
26.91g
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.
