Featured Question about old cameo

This is a 10k gold cameo that I purchased at a auction. I believe it is from the late 1800's. it is hand carved, shell I believe. And it was produced by Hallmark. Does anyone know what the value may be?

 

If you mean the Hallmark greeting card company, they did not make this. They did not start using that word on their greeting cards until 1928, according to a historical essay on the company website. However, I did learn something interesting. According to the company website "J.C. Hall also was an innovator in marketing his cards. He was intrigued by the word "hallmark" used by goldsmiths as a mark of quality. Mr. Hall liked that it not only said quality, but also included his family name."

Anyway, while I think your cameo is old I think it is more likely from the early 20th century than the late 19th...

 

Conch shell, from the look of it.

 

Rainwater lists a Hallmark Silversmiths and mentions a Saturday Evening Post advertisement in 1917. I know your piece does not "look" like silver, but without a Karat number, the frame might be silver with a gold wash. Their maker's mark was just the word HALLMARK (in all caps.)

 

It is stamped 10k gold on the clasp, just couldn't get a good picture

 

Am I seeing a rollover clasp there?

 

You are, and it looks like the clasp is original to the piece.
If it is original, the pendant/brooch is not from the late 1800s, but probably mid 20th century or later. I would also expect the pin to be a bit longer in the 1800s.
The cameo is a hand carved shell cameo.

 

& the quality is less than stellar...

 

Good to know!

 

I'd call it Victorian Revival, and I was trying hard not to give my opinion of the carving job done on the poor lady.

 

Why ?
Should we not tell folks who have less than average items what they really are ?

 

I was also trying to be nice and reserve judgement, especially after delivering a blow about the age. But you're absolutely right komo, if we want to give the correct information, we have to talk about quality as well.
I agree, it is not the best quality.

 

Comparisons aren't odious; they're how we train our eyes. Here's another cameo featuring Flora.

Debora

 

Debora.....now that one you posted is kick -ass.....I'd own it in a heartbeat !
& it shows the difference between what is possible and what is out there !

 

Between commerce... and art.

Debora

 

I know that well in my field too !!!!!

 

I'm gladfor the info! I only paid $20 for it haha

 

I think you got a bargain.

 

Conch shell, approx. Edwardian period, the goddess Ceres/Demeter, the lone flower a bit of artistic license.

http://cameotimes.com/index.php/profiles-1/olympian-gods/ceres-demeter

Even though the carving is middling at best, definitely a bargain.

 

THUD, what a beauty!!!!!