Victorian Nyx Cameo Brooch
"One carries far-seeing light for those on earth,
but the other, baleful Night, shrouded in clouds
of mist, cradles Sleep, the brother of Death." - Theogony, p25.
Perhaps the most famous modern depiction of her is Thorvaldsen's Night, where she's seen in flight carrying two sleeping children in her arms, Sleep and Death. This cameo is carved from Bull's Mouth shell and features wonderfully intricate detailing in high relief, cleverly utilising the convex shape of the shell. It's mounted in 15ct gold and dates from the 1870s, likely picked up in Rome, unmounted, by an intrepid traveller on the Italian leg of the Grand Tour.
Era: Victorian circa 1870
Size: 4.8cm by 4.1cm
Stone: Bull's Tongue Shell Cameo
Marks: Stamped 15ct
Condition: Great antique condition. Some chipping at the bottom left of the rim of the cameo
Full appraisal document provided with each item
This includes a valuation for insurance purposes, item specifics, date, and origins (where applicable)
Gemstones are tested by an accredited gemmologist (Cert GA, Gemmological Association of Great Britain)
Shipping
Express shipping is free of charge and carbon offset
Tracked and insured with signature on delivery
UPS Express (International)
RM Special Delivery (UK domestic)
Buying a Gift?
Leave a note at checkout and we'll include a handwritten note to the recipient. Just tell us what you'd like to say
Resizing
Ring sizing is available on most rings
£35 flat fee
Resizing takes 7-14 days
Leave a note at checkout with your desired size
Note: sizing may remove some of the patina (although we take every care to reduce this where possible)
Layaway
A 25% deposit will be taken to secure the item. The remaining balance will be settled in 90 days. You can pay installments weekly, monthly, or the full balance at the end - whatever works.
Condition
We offer detailed and accurate condition reports on each listing. These pieces are antique, vintage, or pre-loved, often over 100 years old so they're going to have lived a life. A healthy patina and the odd scuff/scrape are quite normal... it's part of their charm! Everything we present has been checked over by our jeweller and should be good for wear for many years to come (unless otherwise stated) but please remember to treat them with appropriate care and consideration for their age.
More Questions?
Get in touch... There's a live chat at the bottom right of each page.
alex@lostowl.jewelry