14K Yellow Gold Cameo Brooch/Pendant with Diamond Enhanced Frame

This carved stone cameo is outstanding, and a wonderful example of portraiture in a gemstone. It is elegantly and artfully hand carved in relief and boasts a young woman, featured in profile, with a highly detailed hairstyle of flowing curls that are contained by a headband of daisy-like flowers that encircle her head. A larger floral motif can be found on her décolleté. The circular frame is crafted in 14K yellow gold and features an open swirl design inclusive of rope and bead sections, each swirl punctuated with diamonds. The thirty diamonds are arranged five and six per swoosh and two at the base of each bridge with a combined 0.22 carat total weight. A wire frame runs the perimeter. This cameo can be worn as a pin or pendant as it has a hidden bale.

The term “cameo” usually refers to any raised carved relief of stone or shell, dating all the way back to Ancient Rome. Although shell cameos are more prevalent, stone and gems preceded shells as the preferred carving medium. Hardstone (a broad term referring to many different kinds of semi-precious stones) was favoured for its durability, however, it was considerably more difficult to carve.  Stones such as agate and sardonyx provided the natural colour variations that helped form the classic look of cameos – a white portrait over a darker background.

In general, the straight, Roman nose is indicative of pieces from the earlier half of the 19th Century.  The Victorians preferred a slightly upturned nose, and as we move into the 1920’s and beyond, the nose becomes even more sloped and curved.  Hairstyles can also provide a clue to the date the piece was carved.  Fashions and trends were ever changing, and cameo portraiture tended to mimic what was popular at the time.

• Total diamond weight: 0.22 av. ctw
• Gold fineness: 14K yellow gold
• Gram weight: 13.2
• Independently appraised value for insurance purposes: $2,460.00 (appraisal certificate included)
• Specifications: (1) round shaped cameo (27.00mm x 27.00mm x 3.20mm), (30) round brilliant cut diamonds (0.22 av. ctw)
• Diamond clarity: I
• Diamond colour: I-J
• Measures approximately 4cm in diameter 

All items in the Estate Originals Collection are estate pieces created in years gone by. Although this item is in excellent condition, it could have some signs of its age and past enjoyment. The images shown are of the exact item you will receive.