This is a very nice antique shell cameo brooch pendant combination, set in a very
fine 14 karat gold hallmarked mounting, c. 1900 ~15.
The right facing cameo is beautifully carved from Cornelian shell.
At the right shoulder there appears to be the top of a lyre. Initially I thought
this cameo might depict the mythological god Apollo, but the up swept hair did not
seem right. Later I read somewhere that after the muses were assigned various tasks
that the muse Polyhymnia was sometimes also depicted with a lyre, often with these
same leaves in her up swept hair, so the muse seemed more likely than Apollo. We
are not experts in mythology however, so those of you more knowledgeable will have
to make a determination. I understand that cameos depicting Polyhymnia are quite
rare, so this could be a real find for the knowledgeable collector.
This cameo is set in a very fine 14 K gold setting. The gold has a rosy tone, with
charming heart shaped designs in the filigree border. Applied green gold leaves
and shamrocks add sparkle and color to the filigree, which shows no breaks.
The deep bezel around the shell is finished with a delicate scallop detail, that
appears like very fine beads.
The fold down pendant bale appears to be original and is in perfect condition and
working order. Original brooch pin and early roll over type safety clasp present
and in excellent condition/working order.
The shell cameo is free of chips, cracks, breaks, etc. Near the up swept part of
her hairdo there are some fine internal lines, but these are not cracks or breaks.
I checked this very carefully with a loupe, and double checked with touch. These
lines are internal and probably original; they cannot be felt on either the top or
the underside of the cameo.
Unfortunately our camera is not high enough quality to really show the fine detail
in the facial features, hair and clothes and probably not even the excellent filigree
work. Suffice it to say that this cameo is even nicer than our images portray.
This is a very good, high quality early cameo, with fine detail, possibly depicting
a rare motif, and set in a beautiful, all original, 14K gold mount.
