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Antique Victorian Gold Filled Carved Shell Cameo Lingerie Dress Pin

$45.00

This is a lovely antique Victorian yellow gold filled natural carved scenic shell cameo pin in original, excellent condition. Original C clasp is intact and secure. No wear to the gold. No tears, deep scratches or dents. The front has crisp, clear detail of a lady in noticeable Victorian costume on a cliff with a bridge and water in the background. There are light surface age scratches on the back of the cameo but no open cracks, chips, or flakes. Size is 1″ tall North to South 5/8″ wide across. The unusual subject makes this a beautiful addition for your antique Victorian jewelry or cameo collection.

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Description

Antique Victorian Gold Filled Carved Shell Cameo Lingerie Dress Pin

Crafting and Condition:

Additionally, it is all handmade, hand carved and hand cut, all indicative of its late 1800s age and goldsmith/silversmith hand crafting. Other than minor wear it is in excellent condition. There are No cracks or chips or flakes or breaks to the cameo. No damage or repair. No tears or gauges to the sterling silver.

It is an unusual motif of a full figure lady in the doorway of a structure in front of a lake with countryside in the background. Hence, this is a lovely antique lingerie pin for your antique jewelry or antique clothing accessories collection. This kind of detail is very Hard to find in this very small delicate size, 1″ by 5/8″. Nice estate find. Would also look great on an antique doll. It’s just the right size!

Antique Cameos:

Early in the 19th century, cameos started to feature an anonymous Roman woman wearing no jewelry. Victorian women on the Grand Tour sought out lava cameos. These were carved with the mystery woman’s image when they were in Italy. These affluent Victorians eventually had a big influence on cameos; this occurred when they demanded a more familiar-looking lady, with a thinner neck, her hair up, and wearing jewelry.

Vintage cameos also incorporated religious figures and scenes, floral motifs, and images from mythology. In particular, ancient Roman motifs have been popular for cameos since they first appeared during the reign of Alexander the Great. They were made of agate, onyx, and sardonyx.

http://www.collectorsweekly.com/fine-jewelry/cameos