Featured CAMEOS: Show & Tell or Ask & Answer

The description by Sotheby's does not clearly state that it is not the original cameo. Didn't they know, or were they being deceptive?

 

To have placed that absurd estimate on it they must have believed it had some direct connection to Feodorovna (they spelled it Feodorvna). And how anyone could think that it is glass? Think they got some garbled/inaccurate info from consignor & went with that. Surely no one in the house actually looked at it.

EBay seller was not familiar with these so went with Sotheby's. Must have had some doubts to be so receptive to contrary info from a stranger.

 

Frankly, I wouldn't have parted with my $15 if it didn't have the box.
With the box, it's a nice novelty souvenir item for my collection.

 

Hello, newbie- I’ve always loved cameos, admittedly I don’t know much about them... my mother recently gave me this one, I’ll have to ask if there is a story, it was likely my grandmothers (my mother was born in 1939) - there are no markings.

I’d love to know something about this if anyone may know. Thank you!

 

Welcome, @Karen Butterfield !
Please do include a photo of the back of your lovely cameo, the hardware can assist in determining a date range.

 

Welcome, Karen. Your cameo was cut from the horn of a helmet shell, which is what gives it such depth. The subject is Zeus/Jove/Jupiter. As bluumz asks, we need to see the back to form an idea of age. Lovely piece in a humble setting.

 

I've been infected too by cameos. Saw one today languishing at an estate sale and snagged her. No idea what her case is made from, I haven't even unpacked, but she was in a pile of costume!

 

I have a tiny amount of cameos -- none particularly impressive, but here they are anyways -- all set in either 10K or 14K gold

Cameo by Generic_Lad posted May 27, 2021 at 3:38 PM

Cameo by Generic_Lad posted May 27, 2021 at 3:38 PM

Cameo by Generic_Lad posted May 27, 2021 at 3:38 PM

Cameo by Generic_Lad posted May 27, 2021 at 3:38 PM

Cameo by Generic_Lad posted May 27, 2021 at 3:38 PM

Cameo by Generic_Lad posted May 27, 2021 at 3:38 PM

Cameo by Generic_Lad posted May 27, 2021 at 3:38 PM

Cameo by Generic_Lad posted May 27, 2021 at 3:38 PM

 

Thank you for the insight! Here is the back of the cameo-

 

Based on the C-clasp and round hinge, I'm going to suggest early 20th century for your nice brooch, but wait for other - more learned - opinions!

 

It is a bug. We will of course expect to see the new acquisition.

 

I don't know if you had any questions about these girls, but here are some answers. First is a helmet shell cameo of the goddess Artemis/Diana. Second is a conch shell cameo of Psyche, the beloved of Eros/Cupid. Third is a conch shell 'classical maiden' type. Fourth is helmet shell en habillé. All four are from 1920s - 1930s.

 

Yes, it’s a bug that has really infected me, and gladly!

 

@bluumz is not so unlearned as all that. I agree that it is 20th century, pre-WWII.

 

Too bad the market has become so wonky. Best bet now may be venues like estate sales where organizer may just see some old fashioned piece of shell jewellery. No such opportunities for me, I'm afraid. I live in a place where famously everyone knows the cost of everything & the value of nothing.

 

Around here the estate sale runners either know jewelry a little too well (or think they do) or don't know jack about marks and don't want to learn and miss everything. Gotta like when that happens.

 

Hello,
Although I registered here over a year ago this is my very first post so please treat me gently!
Recently I bought a tin of old buttons & sewing items in a charity shop and this cameo brooch was in with the buttons. I know nothing about cameos so thought the collective wisdom here might be able to tell me a little about it. Not sure what the metal is - but not gold. Has a small loop at the top so it could be used as a pendant too.
Many thanks.

 

Hi, @LucyLocket -- Congratulations on your first post!

Others will know more, but my sense is that this is from maybe the 1930s-1950s. I'm not that well versed on the styles of latch or catch on jewelry, and that might be a good way to date it. I also don't know whether this represents anybody in particular, or just a generic person. I'm not even sure whether it is supposed to be a male or female!

 

Hi Figtree3,
Thanks for your reply. Well now I'm not sure if it's male or female either - just assumed it was a woman but you've got me wondering!

 

My guess would be a woman....how many men are going to pose with that feminine look of nothing on the chest or shoulders.....but that's just my guess....and WELCOME to starting to pose!!!!!!!!