Portrait Of A Lady - Vintage Gold Plated Resin Cameo & Crystal Rhinestone Brooch (VBR197)

Portrait Of A Lady - Vintage Gold Plated Resin Cameo & Crystal Rhinestone Brooch. This lovely brooch is crafted from gold-plate. Featuring one resin cameo, two round cut crystal rhinestones, and Victorian revival styling. The gallery on this brooch showcases a beautiful apricot and Ivory white resin cameo of a lady. The lady is well defined, with pretty face, and pulled up wavy hair. The cameo is adorned by two  clear rhinestones, which add a touch of sparkle to the piece.  The open-metal work is textured, and detailed. This brooch would have been casted from an old Victorian mold, so if you look closely it is perfectly imperfect, adding character and interest to the piece. The back of the brooch features a pin and lock mechanism, in perfect working order. The vintage Victorian revival brooch would make a wonderful addition to any vintage jewelry collection.

History: It is known that cameos have existed since Sumerian period (c. 3100 BC) to the decline of Roman civilization, the Renaissance, and the Neoclassical period in the 18th century. In contrast to the intaglios, which were used as seals.

Cameos are usually made of gemstones such as agate, onyx, or sardonyx, with two layers of contrasting colours with figures carved into one of the layers and projected over the other. Creating a multi-dimensional artwork. Cameos can also be made out of shell, coral, stone lava, glass, or resin. 

Centuries ago, quartz pebbles with a high lead content were found sparkling on the banks of Europe's Rhine River. These beautiful, natural stones were highly coveted and were eventually depleted, inspiring jewelers to create an imitation, aptly named the "rhinestone."

Measurements: Brooch 42.00 mm x 22.00 mm 

Stone Size: Cameo 18.00 mm x 9.00 mm 

Weight: 7.50 grams 

Condition: Excellent   Note: Imperfections are from the original old casting. 

Origin: America

Date: Circa 1960