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.
While the Victorian Era was the most notable period for cameo collecting, the art form has never fully faded from the jewelry industry or fashion. In fact, it enjoyed a resurgence during the 1940s and 1950s, when the jewelry styles of the Victorians became popular again. This period is known as the Victorian Revival.
Our triple cameo necklace is made of 12 karat gold-filled metal fashioned in the Victorian manner, with heart-shaped conch shell cameos depicting three lovely ladies in profile framed in golden ribbons bedecked with flowers and bows. Like three sisters in a portrait gallery, ready to wear around your neck!
Circa 1940s - 1950s
Details (approximate)
Dimensions: 15" long, pendant heart is 1" long
Weight: 11.1 grams
Materials: Gold filled metal; carved conch shell cameos
Metal: 1/20 12K GF
Marks: CM; 1/20; 12; Gold Filled
Condition: Excellent
LORL, LOE
HBY