Featured More Cameo Fun

They are the 2 matrons among the goddesses. The grain stalks make all the difference.

 

Bronwen, how would one know if a cameo was Persephone?

Some of my cameos with diadems are definitely Aphrodite/Venus.

 

The difficulty is in distinguishing Persephone/Poeserpina/Kore from the nymph Arethusa. The coins of Syracuse inspired many of the engraved gems. Scroll down past the history, there's an explanation about the coin:
https://coinweek.com/ancient-coins/ancient-greek-coins-agathokles-victory/



Persephone is young, so generally not veiled, hair may be down, as on the coin, she is typically wearing jewellery. When wreathed with grain, it is often just the leafy stalks, or with a newly developing ear. Arethusa does not have grain, does often have dolphins around her, from some other coins. And, of course, if you see a girl being carried off by an old dude with a bident, that's her, being abducted by Hades.

See also: http://www.beazley.ox.ac.uk/record/317D370F-2AB3-43AB-A1FB-9525DD0EA09F

'Some of my cameos with diadems are definitely Aphrodite/Venus.'

Any goddess may have a diadem, it's standard goddess wear. Aphrodite's principal identifying feature (attribute) is her nudity. She is often shown with only a thin veil of fabric covering her lap. Cupid (or cupids) & doves also go with her.

 

Hmmm, yes, very high, especially for 9ct.
There's quite a few very similar on bEtsy and eBoo for a fraction of that price.
Maybe I'm missing something?

 

The arrogance & ignorance of most jewellers when it comes to cameos. They're doing you a favor by supplying a document you can show when you make an insurance claim for something stolen or lost in a fire, etc. A form of insurance fraud, really.

 

They could be die-stamped.

 

I don't like it. it's missing the classical elegance of Italian made ones. not only that nose, but also the space between the cameo and the setting. the hair looks too edgy.

 

"I don't like it. it's missing the classical elegance of Italian made ones. not only that nose, but also the space between the cameo and the setting. the hair looks too edgy."

Wow, nice!

 

I think it is beautiful and it is a wonderful gift.

 

Make that Proserpina, folks. Too late now to edit.

 

My mind already corrected it for me.

 

The cameo is Italian, just not made in the heyday of the fashion, before every Tommaso, Luigi & Filippo was hacking them out in a shed to meet tourist demand. Shell cameos got really good about 1845 - 1885. Quality declined, with some exceptions, around the turn of the century. OP's cameo dates to a period when there seems to have been a flourishing in Italy again & execution improved. However, the aesthetic had changed & has now, in my opinion, devolved into things like this:



They do well with Japanese collectors.

 

It is a lovely gift. A man who gave me that would definitely get something special in return.
But since OP asked about value, I hope he didn't pay anywhere near the appraised prices. Knowing what's easily available out there with just a little discerning searching, a similarly nice vintage cameo can be had for $75-$150 US.

 

I didn't want to hurt anybodies feeling, but that hair looks like Johnny Rotten.
just imagine we had all the same taste. boring.
Bronwen is correct of course, but I don't like that one either - for me it's modern kitsch. only excuse is Mother that schlepped me to places like Gaeta to look at those wonderful jewelries etc. followed by Arezzo to visit some friends...

 

I don't think anyone believes that we should all have the same taste. Useless attacks on the taste of others, on the other hand, reveals an atrocious lack of manners. Johnny Rotten? Please.

On the other hand, from the standpoint of good manners being the grease of civilization, thanks to A.J., Bronwen, and especially Marko for their kind sentiments and valuable information. Bluumz, you've proven yourself able to express an honest opinion in a charming manner. Kudos to all of you!

 

Exactly.
And the comment that followed the feeble apology was even more uncalled for and could not be further from the truth.
This is a nice forum, let's keep it that way.

Ghopper, I think it is really lovely that you bought such a gift for your special jewelry lover.

 

Thanks A.J. I don't think our specialities overlap much, so I haven't seen even a fraction of your posts. However, you always strike me as well-spoken and well- mannered, in addition to your vast knowledge.

And just FYI, I didn't pay any of the sums I listed above.

 

Thank you Ghopper.
I am sure the special lady will enjoy the cameo.

 

Looking at her again, I see how the sweeping lines on the background echo the draping folds of her robe. Cutter has framed her in them.

I totally agree.