Featured CAMEOS: Show & Tell or Ask & Answer

Think there will be additional comments & maybe other conclusions, but here's what I notice, all confirming my original age range. The C clasp & T hinge are earlier forms than ones introduced in the 20th century, but these are strongly built, something seen in better quality pieces from later in the time when these findings (all the little functional bits on a piece of jewellery) were in use. The older styles were not immediately & completely supplanted with the advent of the new.

Was the bail added? It's more modern in style & the way it has to be so close to the anchor for the guard chain looks unplanned. (Has anyone made a study of the history of guard chains: presence or absence; location of anchor point; type of safety pin?)

Those little braces securing the cameo in the frame from the back are also a later feature. Another safety measure; tension from the bezel alone was not an optimal means of holding the cameo.

The scene itself has a Jazz Age feel to it, so I'm placing this one in the 1920s.

 

$1136.11

 

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Victorian-Mourning-Cameo-on-Black-Enamel-Pendant-Hair-Memorial-Jewelry/392683124893?ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT&_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649

Description from the listing:


This Victorian Mourning Cameo pendant is serves as a hair locket. The face is carved and set upon black enamel. The frame is gold filled.

It is 2 1/4" in length and 1 1/4" in width.

The complete piece weight 19.5 grams.


I bought it, mainly because I love Etruscan revival pieces, and I suspected it to be better than the description

Finally arrived today, after a long delay (and additionnal 50€ customs tax).

All Agate cameo, no enamel nor glue of any sort, just not the most precise carving of the black background and a lack of part of hair (not broken, only not carved)!
Tested for gold fineness on several parts... 14K!!!

My pics after cleaning:

 

Really lovely Kyratango.

 

Wow -- thanks a lot for the info!!!

 

BINGO! Hardstone for a costume price - hard to argue with that!

 

@Bronwen , hope you don't mind me asking, do you think this would scrub up well or not worth a second look for £15?.It's not mine and the photos really are that bad. Seller says rolled gold. Feel a bit sorry for it which is probably the worst reason ever to buy something!

 

Seller’s description: “Bird on Amish Hat”.

 

Oh my, what a beauty! And your photos are much better than the seller's!!!!!!

 

I just had to laugh with you!

 

Found this on my meanderings.

 

I won the bid for this cameo. It’s not in my sticky little hands yet but I’m so curious about the scene and wanted your thoughts on what it is. It looks like a three women and a child waving. I’ve included the back because I think I see a small signature scratch.

 

Wow! @Bronwen looong time no see

 

For @Bronwen

 

Hi,
My Mom had a pair of these heels. Those Wedgwood heels were wonderful. Hers were the usual Wedgwood blue not the lavender that yours are.
greg

 

First glance. Thought it was a vase!

 

If I had Wedgwood shoes, I would wear them everyday and also to bed.

 

Hi,
My Mom also had a pair with clear heels that you put tiny goldfish in like an aquarium. By the time she got home from dancing the fish were usually dead.
greg