Recently Sold (VICE049)

Jeweled Portraits - Victorian English Gold Fill Glass Lava Cameo Dangly Earrings. These pretty earrings are crafted from gold fill. The French lever backs are gold plate. The earrings feature two molded glass cameos, Victorian era styling, and quality craftsmanship. The galleries on these earrings are bezel set with exquisite glass cameos, which depict elegant ladies. The cameos display a lovely monochrome taupe color, which allows versatility when wearing the earrings. The cameos are framed by a wonderful twisted decorative frame, whilst the surmounts showcase a shell motif, which adds even more detail to the earrings. The French lever backs are for pierced ears, and are in perfect working order.  These Victorian, and well made. They would make a perfect addition to any vintage jewelry collection. 

History: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. Cameos continued to be popular during the Roman Empire and were often used as signet rings.

The technique is first seen in ancient Roman art of about 30 BC, where it was an alternative to the more luxurious engraved gem vessels in cameo style that used naturally layered semi-precious gemstones such as onyx and agate. Glass allowed consistent and predictable colored layers, even for round objects.

The history of gold-filled jewellery traces back to early 19th century England, where this technique was patented to create semi-precious and better-quality custom jewellery during the Victorian Era.

In the history of the United Kingdom and the British Empire, the Victorian era was the reign of Queen Victoria, from 20 June 1837 until her death on 22 January 1901. Slightly different definitions are sometimes used. 

Measurements: Earrings 33.00 mm x 12.00 mm 

Stone Size: Cameo 11.00 mm x 8.00 mm 

Weight: 2.40 grams 

Condition: Excellent        Note: Surmounts were changed from non pierced Victorian screw-backs to French lever backs at one point in time. 

Origin: England 

Date: Circa 1900