A cameo is a form of glyptography, or bas-relief carving, most often cut into glass, hard-stones, and shells. Artworks were crafted to create two layers on one piece of material, the top of which protruded from its background, creating a multi-dimensional artwork. These detailed reliefs were often used to adorn pieces of jewelry, including brooches, necklaces, bracelets and rings. The earliest cameos took inspiration from prehistoric petroglyphs, which documented important religious and symbolic iconography onto rock faces.
Despite its popularity in previous periods, the most well-known era for cameo collection was the 19th century, inspired by royal cameo collectors Queen Victoria and Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte. Shelled cameos, which depicted these natural and humanistic scenes onto deep-sea shells, became quite popular under Queen Victoria’s reign. Similarly, Napoleon himself founded a Parisian apprentice school to foster the talents of young cameo carvers.
Converted from an antique stick pin, this ring depicts the profile of a beautifully carved ancient Greek or Roman lady, most likely a princess or queen or even a goddess. The Victorians were enamored with the Ancients, and cameos like this could be purchased when on the Grand Tour in Italy. The top has an 18 karat yellow gold prong setting, and the shank is 14 karat yellow gold. Dramatic, detailed and delightful, you'll want to wear her all the time!
Details (approximate)
Size (can be resized): 7.5
Weight: 5.63 grams
Materials: Gold, Carved Shell Cameo
Metal: 18K yellow gold (ring top); 14K yellow gold (shank)
Marks: None
Condition: Excellent converted Antique condition commensurate with age and wear