Victorian Shell Cameo Brooch/Pendant

An intricate and darling antique cameo brooch which can also be worn as a pendant on a necklace. At the center is an expressive and beautifully carved pink and white shell cameo featuring the image of the goddess Hera. Hera, sometimes known as Juno, was the queen of heaven and wife of god Zeus. Hera acted as a protector and patron of women, marriage, pregnancy, childbirth and family. (This could make a wonderful and sentimental gift for a new mother or grandmother!)

The cameo is framed in a golden bezel setting which is in turn framed by an outer gallery consisting of interwoven strands of wire-strung seed pearls and four prong-set old European cut diamonds. The back features a hinged gold pin stem and locking clasp as well as a hinged gold bail that can be revealed when the piece is worn as a pendant and hidden when it is worn as a brooch. 

Cameos in jewelry date back to the third century, B.C., and gained incredible popularity in the mid- to late-1800s when this became a popular jewelry style among those making "The Grand Tour." Prior to the advent of the pearl culturing industry in the early 20th century, pearls were the rarest and most highly valued gem on earth - hundreds of years ago, they were considered more precious than diamonds! 

More details:

22.9mm wide, 27.6mm tall (without bail) and 30.1mm tall (with bail); 11.8mm deep

Excellent condition

10k (stamped)

4.6 grams

All purchases arrive in a gift box, wrapped with a ribbon. This item includes an 18” gold-filled chain (as shown in images,) which fastens with a spring ring style clasp.