Featured A Cameo For Bronwen's Commentary

Mostly just showing off, but any comments are most welcome.

This cameo was my great-grandmother's, given to me on either my 18th or 21st birthday. The cameo (shell?) is 1.5 inches long and 1.25 wide, mounted in an elegant frame that I have always assumed is gold, although I've never found a mark. The back is open and the shell is slightly curved. The pin or parts of it appears to have been replaced.

The particular GGM from whom this came was born in 1879, married in 1901 and died in 1964. Although I have a number of photos of her, she's not wearing it in any of them. Her family was quite well off for the times, so I suppose it is also possible that this was her mother's.

Any thoughts on origin and age? What kind of shell?

 

Beautiful.
The hinge looks ca 1870, could even be earlier. Do you know if the clasp was ever replaced? It was patented in 1911, but was introduced in the US in the 30s.

 

Well, she's Ceres with those wheat ears and flowers. Naples carved, probably Ercolani. Conch shell. Is that a replacement clasp? I'd say.

LAte 19th C. The frame could be from anywhere: cameos were shipped out in the tens of thousands. Nice carving.

 

(was clasp replaced)

Not during my possession, although, as I mentioned above, it does look like it was.

 

Thank you, OBB! That's what I was hoping to learn from the close up.

 

BTW, there is a little ring attached at the bottom of the frame. What kind of additional "jewel" would have been hung there?

 

Lovely cameo.

Does it look like it would have supported a small lady's watch?

 

Hm. 1870 would be more like her mother's era - married in 1872.

 

It's already so small, how much smaller would the watch have to be?

 

Beautiful!!! The little ring, depending if it is placed on top or on bottom is either to attach a ring to wear as a pendant (often seen on this era big mourning brooches) or a security chain with a little pin (but this was used mostly later...)

 

It's attached at the bottom (otherwise she'd be standing on her head.)

 

I really appreciate all the comments and info this far.

I was kind of hoping (see the title) to get at least a word or 2 from @Bronwen as well.

 

Lovely Bakers, sorry I have no info to offer.

 

Maybe Flora, we'll see Bronwen id

 

I am out of depth in the cameo subject although I have a few. One in particular I will post and ask for input one day.

I am wondering if the ring on the bottom of this may have at one time had a pearl suspended from it? Lovely cameo Bakers and the carving is beautiful!

 

Patience ...it's only been 2 hours !

She's opened up 259 threads in 2 days...so I'm sure.....she'll see , and respond to these newer ones......maybe after her nap !

Meanwhile our regulars seem to have the situation under control....!!!

 

That's an excellent suggestion, Buyingtime. Unfortunately, there was nothing attached when I received it and if there ever was something there it's long gone now.

 

I have seen how busy she's been! Lots of great information shared too! And of course I'm patient. But I don't know what method if any she's using to make her way around and figured tagging her would at least get this thread on her radar. I know it always works to get mine!

 

That's the best way....short of a P.M. !!

 

Dang, name of my first love, surely it's NOT! the same Bronwen! Welsh name i think, not real sure though, it is an unusual name in america though.