Description
Vintage 14K Gold Shell Cameo Portrait Ring 1.37 Long
This is a large, dramatic vintage 1960s 14K yellow gold carved shell cameo portrait ring. It is marked 14K, jeweler tested and Guaranteed solid 14K gold. The top holds an impressive, showy extra long cameo. Size of top is 1 3/8″ long north to south by 13/16″ wide east to west across the center. The setting is very well made with a triple fused band that is just over 1/8″ wide at the bottom. There is also a supportive undermount that goes all the way around. The bezel is tall and strong and affixed to a fancy twisted gold frame. There are also thick noticeable gold leaves connecting the frame to the undermount on the sides.
Although the gold is in excellent condition the cameo has an old hairline crack repair in the back which is NOT eye noticeable in the front at all when the ring is worn. It is located toward the bottom and is angular. See photos. Ring size is accurate 7 on a jeweler sizing pole. There is a prior professional resize that is strong and secure. It should last even with daily use.
Weight is Heavy at 7.9grams. As you probably know the bulk of the weight is in the gold as shell cameos are extremely light and rare weight more than a gram or 1.5 grams depending on thickness. Height of ring from top of cameo to finger line is 3/8″ tall.
Condition:
The front of the cameo and all of the gold are in excellent condition. There are No dents or dings. Also, it is free of scratches, tears, or gauges. No gold wear. Nor is there any damage to the gold. Beautiful thick, chunky, setting. The cameo itself is also very pretty. She has a small upwardly arved mouth, a deep cared intaglio eye, deeply carved and recessed hair up in curls, and a small, slightly upturned nose. When cameos are this large and oversized they sometimes have a distorted or misshapen look and the carving is not always symmetrical but this one is very attractive, uniformly carved, and quite pretty. For anyone who enjoys large vintage gold jewelry this is for you; a lovely addition for your mid century gold collection.
