Portrait of A Goddess - Victorian Signed 10K Gold Carved Angel Skin Coral Cameo & Natural Pearl Brooch (VICBR026)

Portrait Of A Goddess - Victorian signed 10K Gold Carved Angel Skin Coral Cameo & Natural Pearl Brooch.  This exquisite brooch is crafted from 10K gold, hallmarked 10K. The brooch features one natural carved angel skin coral, six natural seed pearls, Victorian era designing, and high quality craftsmanship. This wonderful brooch is expertly bezel set with a beautiful hand carved portrait of a Goddess. The color of the precious cameo has a delicate pale pink background, and a white relief of a goddess with her hair up, fine features, and draped clothing.  The cameo has a delicate filigree surround, which is adorned by rare natural seed pearls. The cameo has a signature on the back, which can be seen under magnification. There is a secure pin and rotary type  lock mechanism, in perfect working order. This Victorian era piece would make a very special addition to any antique jewelry collection.

Note: Appraisal included with the Cameo. Contemporary appraisals do not reflect the antique value. Appraised at $2100.00 plus tax = $2205.00 

History:  The history of cameo jewelry is long and fascinating. The ancient Sumerians created the first cameos, often used as seals. The ancient Greeks also used cameos as currency, and many of these pieces have been found in archaeological excavations.

Pearls were presented as gifts to Chinese royalty as early as 2300 BC, while in ancient Rome, pearl jewellery was considered the ultimate status symbol. So precious were the spherical gems that in the 1st century BC, Julius Caesar passed a law limiting the wearing of pearls only to the ruling classes.

Gold was generally used for a couple thousand years solely to create things such as jewelry and idols for worship. This was until around 1500 BC when the ancient empire of Egypt, which benefited greatly from its gold-bearing region, Nubia, made gold the first official medium of exchange for international trade.

Measurements: Brooch 32.00 mm x 32.00 mm 

Stone Size: Carved Angel Skin Coral Cameo 25.00 mm x 19.00 mm 

Weight: 8.10 grams 

Condition: Excellent 

Origin: Italy 

Date: Circa 1880