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.
Victorians loved cameos, and wore them prolifically throughout the era, often purchasing them as souvenirs on their Grand Tours. This delightful example shows a deer running through the forest with a wolf giving chase. An amazing little carving we picked up as a loose cameo, it has been set in a 14 karat yellow gold frame and shank. The perfect little antique piece, now wearable as a darling ring!
Details (Approximate):
Size: 6.5
Weight: 2.3 grams
Materials: Gold, Carved Shell Cameo
Metal:14K yellow gold
Marks: None
Condition: Excellent converted Antique condition commensurate with age and wear