Cameo Silver - Museal





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She has 15 years' auction experience, specialising in vintage jewellery from 1920 to 2000.
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Description from the seller
Shell cameo on an antique silver setting – Brooch and Pendant – early 19th century
Extraordinary sardonyx shell cameo finely carved in high relief, depicting a neoclassical feminine profile with an elegant updo and soft drapery over the shoulder. The engraving reveals skilled workmanship: full volumes, contoured hair chiselled with precision, and pure features reminiscent of the early 1800s classical aesthetic.
The natural contrast between the bright white of the relief and the brown-amber background of the shell creates a particularly evocative sense of depth and translucency, even visible in backlighting as shown in the photographs.
Contemporary silver mounting with an elegant beaded frame that bears two side marks, visible on the right and left, now unreadable, plus a third punch likely indicating the silver’s title. The specimen is equipped with both a solid upper bale for use as a pendant and a functioning safety clasp brooch: a versatile jewel designed to be worn in multiple ways, around the neck or pinned to a dress or important fabric.
Significant, scenographic dimensions: 61x50 mm, weight 28 grams, measurements that enhance its presence and make it a piece of great impact, ideal for a collection or everyday use.
Era: early 19th century.
Materials: carved shell and silver.
Very good condition relative to age. A very slight thread-like flaw is noted in the photo, which does not compromise structural stability or the overall beauty of the cameo. The mount is intact and functional in both modes of use.
A museum-level piece for its quality of carving, size, and versatility, intended for a refined collection or an antiquarian of 19th-century glittica.
Photos are an integral part of the description. Guaranteed careful packaging entrusted to professionals in the field.
Seller's Story
Shell cameo on an antique silver setting – Brooch and Pendant – early 19th century
Extraordinary sardonyx shell cameo finely carved in high relief, depicting a neoclassical feminine profile with an elegant updo and soft drapery over the shoulder. The engraving reveals skilled workmanship: full volumes, contoured hair chiselled with precision, and pure features reminiscent of the early 1800s classical aesthetic.
The natural contrast between the bright white of the relief and the brown-amber background of the shell creates a particularly evocative sense of depth and translucency, even visible in backlighting as shown in the photographs.
Contemporary silver mounting with an elegant beaded frame that bears two side marks, visible on the right and left, now unreadable, plus a third punch likely indicating the silver’s title. The specimen is equipped with both a solid upper bale for use as a pendant and a functioning safety clasp brooch: a versatile jewel designed to be worn in multiple ways, around the neck or pinned to a dress or important fabric.
Significant, scenographic dimensions: 61x50 mm, weight 28 grams, measurements that enhance its presence and make it a piece of great impact, ideal for a collection or everyday use.
Era: early 19th century.
Materials: carved shell and silver.
Very good condition relative to age. A very slight thread-like flaw is noted in the photo, which does not compromise structural stability or the overall beauty of the cameo. The mount is intact and functional in both modes of use.
A museum-level piece for its quality of carving, size, and versatility, intended for a refined collection or an antiquarian of 19th-century glittica.
Photos are an integral part of the description. Guaranteed careful packaging entrusted to professionals in the field.
Seller's Story
Details
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Catawiki always aims to offer you the best possible buying experience. Our experts virtually review and select every object in line with our submission guidelines. While we strive to provide a detailed description and photographs of each jewellery object, discrepancies or inaccuracies may occur. It is your responsibility to review all of the information provided about an object, including the condition and description, before placing an order. Sellers are responsible for the information, pictures and description provided, including the quality, quantity and nature of the jewelry supplied. A small imperfection that cannot be seen in the photo but is included in the description is not a non-conformity. A Lab Report is not a guarantee, valuation or appraisal regarding the articles described therein. A Lab Report contains only the characteristics of an article described after it has been graded, tested, examined, and analyzed using the techniques and equipment used at the time of the examination from that specific Lab. The results of any other examination performed on the article may differ depending when, how, by whom and with which grading standard the article is examined. In addition, any changes and improvements in techniques and equipment that may have occurred which may enable the examiner to detect, among other things, the use of processes for altering the characteristics of an article which use was previously undetectable, does not automatically mean the object does not conform to its description.
Catawiki always aims to offer you the best possible buying experience. Our experts virtually review and select every object in line with our submission guidelines. While we strive to provide a detailed description and photographs of each jewellery object, discrepancies or inaccuracies may occur. It is your responsibility to review all of the information provided about an object, including the condition and description, before placing an order. Sellers are responsible for the information, pictures and description provided, including the quality, quantity and nature of the jewelry supplied. A small imperfection that cannot be seen in the photo but is included in the description is not a non-conformity. A Lab Report is not a guarantee, valuation or appraisal regarding the articles described therein. A Lab Report contains only the characteristics of an article described after it has been graded, tested, examined, and analyzed using the techniques and equipment used at the time of the examination from that specific Lab. The results of any other examination performed on the article may differ depending when, how, by whom and with which grading standard the article is examined. In addition, any changes and improvements in techniques and equipment that may have occurred which may enable the examiner to detect, among other things, the use of processes for altering the characteristics of an article which use was previously undetectable, does not automatically mean the object does not conform to its description.
