Cameo - 9 kt. Yellow gold, Bacchus, God of wine sardonyx shell cameo set in 9 carat gold - Dionysus son of Zeus
06
days
12
hours
53
minutes
27
seconds
Starting bid
€ 1
Reserve price not met
Expert
Selected by Laura Trevino
She has 15 years' auction experience, specialising in vintage jewellery from 1920 to 2000.
Estimate € 1,200 - € 1,500
No bids placed
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Large 9 kt yellow gold Bacchus sardonyx shell cameo brooch, weighing 21.70 g, in excellent condition with a C clasp and no laboratory report.
AI-assisted summary
Description from the seller
Superb large Cameo shell brooch, depicting God of wine, Bacchus, set in 9 carat yellow gold, in excellent condition. The cameo shell has an exquisite clean cut in high relief, museum quality and it is set in beautifully 9 carat gold frame. This brooch is highly detailed, the carving is exquisite, the vine leaves and grapes are beautifully formed, the pony tail amazingly carved in sardonyx shell.
Please note that this is a heavy and large brooch and would be suitable for heavy garments.
It closes in a C clasp.
Dating late 1800’s.
In this cameo is depicted Bacchus/Dionysus himself, the pony tail and the vine leaves are conclusive. Bacchus / Dionysus frequently has an effeminate look, he first assigned male, then lived as a girl until reaching adulthood, only to reject both binaries and embrace a bigender identity that caused great anxiety to the category loving Greeks.
"Dionysus, also spelled Dionysos, also called Bacchus in Greek mythology, a nature god of fruitfulness and vegetation, especially known as a GOD OF WINE and ecstasy. ... Dionysus was the son of Zeus and Semele.
Like all of the Twelve Olympians, Dionysus was an immortal and powerful god. He had special powers of making wine and causing vines to grow. "
Measurements
Weight approximately 21.70 grams
Length approximately 6 centimetres
Wide approximately 5 centimetres
Hallmarked 9ct for 9 carat gold
Note:
Many of my items are vintage and are therefore likely to show some age-related wear. This can include things such as: scratches, discolouration etc. Please be sure to look through each photograph carefully and read the description fully, to get an idea of quality. Presents a small imperfection near Bacchus hairline, similar to a black dot, and few stress lines not visible.
Photos have been taken in natural light/ sunlight, and they have not been edited.
Import charges are buyers responsibility!
Seller's Story
Executive summary:
Our mission is to empower discerning individuals to invest in the enduring beauty and appreciating value of unique antique jewellery, championing a sustainable future by celebrating the artistry and history of each eco-friendly treasure.
Our vision is to be recognised as a leader in sustainable luxury, transforming the perception of antique jewellery from mere adornment to a cherished, appreciating investment that enriches lives, preserves history, and champions environmental stewardship for generations to come.
Our core proposition lies in the inherent appreciation of antique jewellery's value over time. Unlike modern, mass-produced items, antique pieces benefit from scarcity, unparalleled craftsmanship, and significant historical provenance, ensuring their rarity and desirability only increase. This appreciation is further bolstered by the rising global value of gold and precious gemstones, which form the intrinsic foundation of these timeless treasures. Investors can realise substantial profits as both the material worth and the artistic/historical value of these pieces continue to climb.
Beyond the compelling financial returns, our venture strongly emphasises the profound ecological advantages of investing in antique jewellery. By acquiring and re-circulating existing pieces, we actively promote a circular economy, drastically reducing the environmental impact associated with new mining and manufacturing processes. This eco-friendly approach resonates deeply with a growing demographic of conscious consumers and investors seeking to make responsible choices.
Furthermore, each piece of antique jewellery tells a unique story, embodying a rich cultural history and exquisite artistry that transcends fleeting trends. This distinctiveness provides an unparalleled allure for discerning individuals seeking not just an investment, but a tangible connection to the past and a statement of individuality.
Celestial Heirlooms Jewellery
Superb large Cameo shell brooch, depicting God of wine, Bacchus, set in 9 carat yellow gold, in excellent condition. The cameo shell has an exquisite clean cut in high relief, museum quality and it is set in beautifully 9 carat gold frame. This brooch is highly detailed, the carving is exquisite, the vine leaves and grapes are beautifully formed, the pony tail amazingly carved in sardonyx shell.
Please note that this is a heavy and large brooch and would be suitable for heavy garments.
It closes in a C clasp.
Dating late 1800’s.
In this cameo is depicted Bacchus/Dionysus himself, the pony tail and the vine leaves are conclusive. Bacchus / Dionysus frequently has an effeminate look, he first assigned male, then lived as a girl until reaching adulthood, only to reject both binaries and embrace a bigender identity that caused great anxiety to the category loving Greeks.
"Dionysus, also spelled Dionysos, also called Bacchus in Greek mythology, a nature god of fruitfulness and vegetation, especially known as a GOD OF WINE and ecstasy. ... Dionysus was the son of Zeus and Semele.
Like all of the Twelve Olympians, Dionysus was an immortal and powerful god. He had special powers of making wine and causing vines to grow. "
Measurements
Weight approximately 21.70 grams
Length approximately 6 centimetres
Wide approximately 5 centimetres
Hallmarked 9ct for 9 carat gold
Note:
Many of my items are vintage and are therefore likely to show some age-related wear. This can include things such as: scratches, discolouration etc. Please be sure to look through each photograph carefully and read the description fully, to get an idea of quality. Presents a small imperfection near Bacchus hairline, similar to a black dot, and few stress lines not visible.
Photos have been taken in natural light/ sunlight, and they have not been edited.
Import charges are buyers responsibility!
Seller's Story
Executive summary:
Our mission is to empower discerning individuals to invest in the enduring beauty and appreciating value of unique antique jewellery, championing a sustainable future by celebrating the artistry and history of each eco-friendly treasure.
Our vision is to be recognised as a leader in sustainable luxury, transforming the perception of antique jewellery from mere adornment to a cherished, appreciating investment that enriches lives, preserves history, and champions environmental stewardship for generations to come.
Our core proposition lies in the inherent appreciation of antique jewellery's value over time. Unlike modern, mass-produced items, antique pieces benefit from scarcity, unparalleled craftsmanship, and significant historical provenance, ensuring their rarity and desirability only increase. This appreciation is further bolstered by the rising global value of gold and precious gemstones, which form the intrinsic foundation of these timeless treasures. Investors can realise substantial profits as both the material worth and the artistic/historical value of these pieces continue to climb.
Beyond the compelling financial returns, our venture strongly emphasises the profound ecological advantages of investing in antique jewellery. By acquiring and re-circulating existing pieces, we actively promote a circular economy, drastically reducing the environmental impact associated with new mining and manufacturing processes. This eco-friendly approach resonates deeply with a growing demographic of conscious consumers and investors seeking to make responsible choices.
Furthermore, each piece of antique jewellery tells a unique story, embodying a rich cultural history and exquisite artistry that transcends fleeting trends. This distinctiveness provides an unparalleled allure for discerning individuals seeking not just an investment, but a tangible connection to the past and a statement of individuality.
Celestial Heirlooms Jewellery
Details
Era
1900-2000
Laboratory Report
No laboratory report
Metal
Bacchus, God of wine sardonyx shell cameo set in 9 carat gold, Yellow gold
Brand jewellery
No
Fineness
9 kt.
Total weight
21.7 g
Condition
Excellent condition - barely used with minimal signs of wear
Gender
Unisex
Title additional information
Dionysus son of Zeus
Disclaimer
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.
