Featured Gold Lavalier /cameo identification

Recently purchased this piece. I loved it and am curious to know more about it. Any idea the period this was made?

Also what type of cameo is this? is it pink glass? It has a iridescent quality like moonstone, but think its just my old eyes..and she has wings coming off her shoulders? Greek goddess or medusa?

It has no markings. But does test positive for 14kt gold.

thank you.

 

that's very nice....maybe an angel...

 

It is beautiful.
The pictures are a bit blurred, and my eyes are also getting older. Could you photograph front and back against a white background?

 

Hi,
I do not know what kind of cameo this is. Every shell cameo I have ever seen never ever had a flat back. Lord knows I am NOT an expert on cameos but I stick to what I do know about shell cameos.
greg

 

Raiders, I think you're idea that it could be glass is right. I can't see if it is actually carved, if it is it could be Bohemian carved glass.

 

Yeah I was thinking that. .but what period of design would you guess. .and yes it looks like a piece of glass or moonstone.

 

The backing looks like carnelian, so it could be a banded agate easily. Orange on the back, pinkish in the middle and white on top is distinctly possible.

 

I agree, a hard stone cameo. Tests 14k, I think it's a winner

 

From the pictures, it looks as though the metal has worn to a white color in places which would indicate gold plate or gold filled. The cameo appears to be a carved hard stone. Sometimes a cameo is glued to a background, but, you can tell with a loupe if it's a flat edge attached or carved. Style popular in 19th century, c. 1880.

 

None of the gold is white. I am very educated on gold as I actually use to prospect for it when i lived in California in my younger years and know the difference between real gold, pyrite, plated and filled.

Btw, I don't sell on Ebay. I hate Ebay. I am asking for my own personal reasons. This piece is for my own enjoyment so please don't worry about the white in the photos. I'm not.because it doesn't exist. its shines a beautiful gold all over...as gold should. AND As I said earlier, I acid tested it.

 

Don't forget people her have only your pics to examine ... YOU have the piece in hands...
By the way read again Linda Lu's Antiques comment:
"From the pictures, it looks as though the metal has worn to a white color in places which would indicate gold plate or gold filled. The cameo appears to be a carved hard stone. Sometimes a cameo is glued to a background, but, you can tell with a loupe if it's a flat edge attached or carved. Style popular in 19th century, c. 1880."

 

Yes, approximate date (c. 1880) sounds good to me, too. And of course the agate/hardstone already posted by several people. I think it's beautiful!

 

Basically weighing in to confirm what has already been proposed. The cameo is definitely banded agate, aka hardstone, although stones like this have been dyed to get some color into what was probably a pretty dull stone to begin with. These typically look like carnelian/cornelian on the bottom layer. Above that is often a layer that looks sort of a lilac, an effect created by the red showing through white, & then the figure is cut in the top white layer. Looks as though the top layer of this piece has a lovely translucence. The figure is more likely to be Cupid than an anonymous female angel.

 

Welcome to Antiquers, Bronwen!

 

I like Bronen's idea of Cupid.

Is it a mix of rose and yellow gold? Or is this just the lighting?


I have a Cameo ring on consignment in my store. The coloring is exactly like yours with that slight pinkish glow. It is set in sterling with an English hallmark.
I would imagine jewelers could order cameos for all over the world. Just thought I would mention the English origin in case someone else has other info.

 

Thank you Figtree. I look forward to 'meeting' the cameo addicts who hang out here, although think I already know one or two of you from elsewhere.
Having been scolded in another thread for not putting up an introductory thread, I have now duly introduced myself.

 

Now then, having outed yourself as a cameo addict...this we gotta see.