Portrait Trio - Vintage 14K Gold Carved Conch Shell Cameo Ring (VR818)
Rarities Antique Jewelry
Portrait Trio - Vintage 14K Gold Carved Conch Shell Cameo Ring. This exquisite ring is crafted from 14K yellow gold, hallmarked 14K, and a makers mark A&Z. The ring features 3 genuine carved conch shell cameos, vintage victorian revival styling, and quality craftsmanship. The gallery on this ring is set with 3 beautiful carved cameos, which display a different color combination, and carved portraits. The portraits are of ladies, however the facial features and the hair are different in every portrait. The color of each portrait is also different, one displaying a vibrant peachy/coral and ivory color, the second cameo displays a pink and white color, and the third one displays a muted peachy/coral and white color. This variation in the colors, adds contrast and character to the piece. The shoulders have a slight taper, leading down to a smooth and polished shank, which allows for a comfortable fit and easy sizing. This gorgeous vintage ring would make a unique and beautiful ring to any jewelry collection.
History: The cameo is the converse of the intaglio, which consists of an incised, or sunken, engraving in the same class of materials. Cameos exist in large numbers from the early Sumerian period (c. 3100 bc) to the decline of Roman civilization, from the Renaissance, and from the Neoclassical period in the 18th century.
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: Face of the Ring 18.00 mm x 8.50 mm
Stone Size: Cameo (centre) 8.50 mm x 6.00 mm Cameo (sides) 8.00 mm x 6.00 mm
Weight: 3.50 grams
Ring Size: 6 3/4
Condition: Excellent
Origin: Italy
Date: Circa 1960