SOLD Gold Antique Cameo Brooch with Secret Locket Hardstone Sardonyx Fine Quality C.1850's
Product code:
M898
£0.00
Product information
SOLD Fine Sardonyx Hardstone Cameo Locket
I love this cameo, not only is it beautifully carved, it is very well designed and executed. My own thoughts are that this cameo was carved in Italy after a likeness to the owner and the frame was specifically designed by the husband (Prince Albert often designed jewellery for Victoria) for a certain purpose.
Carved from Sardonyx, the artist has chosen stone sample with a thick white layer to contrast the subject beautifully against the brown/red layer. It is beautifully carved and with such detail. The elegant lady sporting a lace cap (high fashion for the 1850's), a single strand of pearls and a low neck evening dress and shawl.
The frame is quite masculine in design, geometric and the little features on the rear are unusual and obviously designed for purpose. Looking at the actual design of the frame and the four diagonal points it could be the cross of Saltire - a possible connection to Scotland.
The C clasp is hinged so that it can be collapsed and dropped flat and the pin can be locked into position. The compartment in this cameo is much deeper than normal (1/4") and the clear glass lid is hinged and robust which makes me think that this was probably for something that needed to be accessed easily and often, perhaps smelling salts or similar rather than a photo or hair.
The frame is solid and tests as 10ct Gold (anything softer ie higher carat more would compromise the design) and is in that almost soft rose gold colour. To give an idea of the substantial nature of this piece I have measured from the highest point of the cameo (the bust area) to the back of the compartment and it is 1.38cm thick. Height: Just short of 3.5cm (just over 1 1/4") Width 2.5cm (1")
Weight: 15.9g
It comes in a beautiful leather silk and velvet Victorian Case. I love cameos, I was given a Cameo for my 21st and still wear it today, every jewellery box should contain a cameo - they are the perfect miniature form of wearable art don't you think?
M898/900/EB
I love this cameo, not only is it beautifully carved, it is very well designed and executed. My own thoughts are that this cameo was carved in Italy after a likeness to the owner and the frame was specifically designed by the husband (Prince Albert often designed jewellery for Victoria) for a certain purpose.
Carved from Sardonyx, the artist has chosen stone sample with a thick white layer to contrast the subject beautifully against the brown/red layer. It is beautifully carved and with such detail. The elegant lady sporting a lace cap (high fashion for the 1850's), a single strand of pearls and a low neck evening dress and shawl.
The frame is quite masculine in design, geometric and the little features on the rear are unusual and obviously designed for purpose. Looking at the actual design of the frame and the four diagonal points it could be the cross of Saltire - a possible connection to Scotland.
The C clasp is hinged so that it can be collapsed and dropped flat and the pin can be locked into position. The compartment in this cameo is much deeper than normal (1/4") and the clear glass lid is hinged and robust which makes me think that this was probably for something that needed to be accessed easily and often, perhaps smelling salts or similar rather than a photo or hair.
The frame is solid and tests as 10ct Gold (anything softer ie higher carat more would compromise the design) and is in that almost soft rose gold colour. To give an idea of the substantial nature of this piece I have measured from the highest point of the cameo (the bust area) to the back of the compartment and it is 1.38cm thick. Height: Just short of 3.5cm (just over 1 1/4") Width 2.5cm (1")
Weight: 15.9g
It comes in a beautiful leather silk and velvet Victorian Case. I love cameos, I was given a Cameo for my 21st and still wear it today, every jewellery box should contain a cameo - they are the perfect miniature form of wearable art don't you think?
M898/900/EB
Technical specifications
| Product Code | M898 |