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
