Etruscan Revival Cameo Brooch
Striking High Victorian cameo brooch crafted in the Etruscan revivalist style. The subject is a portrait, a gentleman in profile, is exceptionally well executed - carved from a single piece of shell and utilising the colour banding to bring contrast between background and portrait. The mount features the type of fine applied goldwork associated with the archaeological revival, championed by the 19th century Castellani goldsmiths, with different grades and combinations of granulation and ropework. It dates from the mid-Victorian period, circa 1860, crafted in 18 carat gold throughout.
In the days before the advent of photography, cameos were a popular way for wealthy aristocrats to capture their likeness, at a time when this privilege was (mostly) reserved for a small elite. Towards the end of the 19th century, the art of carving gemstones - glyptics - saw a steady decline, and today is practised by relatively few highly skilled artisans.
Era: Victorian, circa 1860
Size: 4.5cm by 5.2cm
Stone: Bull's Mouth Shell
Marks: None present, tested as 18ct gold
Condition: Great antique condition
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