Featured CAMEOS: Show & Tell or Ask & Answer

Thank you! Now I’m tempted...
I am more concerned with the shape of the cameo. It looks too flat to me.

 

Hey Jewelry Folks:

I'm a stranger to this particular forum, but I'm certain you can help me. I'm thinking of giving this cameo as a gift, but have no idea if it is worth the $50.00 U.S. price tag. It's characterized as a "10K gold Victorian Shell Cameo." I regret that this is the only photo I have.

Thanks!!!!!

 

From the picture I would say that it looks like it's carved from shell. It could be late Victorian but possibly is early 20th century.

Back when I was buying more cameos (10-20 years ago) I might have spent $50 on one like that if in excellent condition. I'm not sure what the good prices are now. I would be concerned about buying a gift for somebody based on one poor photo.

Wait for other opinions!

 

It always makes me nervous when someone spends money based on my assessment from photos! Hope she meets or exceeds expectations when she arrives.

 

As you say, the photo provided is poor. IMHO, it looks better carved than many but still fairly middle of the road when it comes to quality. A 10 carat setting is a bit of a plus. Does it include the chain and is that also 10 karat? If so, the $50 price tag seems fair to me.
What a lovely idea to gift a cameo!

 

Don't worry, I also bought it for the subject matter. I was able to negotiate a very reasonable price, so not a big investment.

 

I agree the Figtree's assessment. A cameo is a wonderful gift! That's how I got started collecting them many years ago.

 

See it has been sold. Are you the winner? I was going to add that I looked at it again & am still comfortable that it is shell. Curvature is another feature to take into account but occasionally a section of shell can be surprisingly flat. Let us see if she comes to you.

 

I agree entirely with bluumz. I have no doubt the cameo is shell. From what I can see of the mount probably 20th century; cameo itself looks pre-WWII. If the mount is 10K, $50 is reasonable in the current market, especially if the chain comes with it. And yes, a lovely, feminine gift.

 

Thanks for the quick replies, ladies!

Yes, the 10K chain comes with it. Sounds like the date would be ca. 1900-1910, which would be the end of the Victorian period. Certainly 100 years old. I'll let this percolate, but it does sound like a good Christmas present

I appreciate your expertise!

 

Not with any intent of pushing you into a decision - I'm all for percolating - but a couple of positives are that it can be worn as a pendant, since people don't much bother with brooches these days & pendants are less likely to fall, & since the chain comes with it, it's ready to go.

 

I was in two minds but at the last moment I went for this one:
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Rare-AGA...6ad-46fe-a5eb-edc45b5341a8#vi__app-cvip-panel
I hope I won’t regret it.

 

Victoria died in 1901, so it is Edwardian if those dates are accurate.

 

Suspect Ghopper meant more stylistically Victorian than chronologically so.

 

You may have guessed from the buttons that it is not a Greek philosopher. It is a Famous Italian. I think the painter Correggio is more likely.



But I can't tell him apart from Galileo most of the time.

 

I thought he is Michelangelo

but I wouldn’t mind if he is somebody else because I already have one Michelangelo.
You probably remember him - the cameo with the tiny holes.

 

That's very sweet of you !!!
I'll wear it proudly !!!

Oh......wait............... not me ???...

That's OK....whom ever gets it is very lucky !!! ...

 

Think you're probably right that it's Michelangelo, going by the collar & the nose.

 

I know Victoria died in 1901. In the U.S. I've been reading that the period up to WW I is still considered to be Victorian or post-Victorian rather than Edwardian, which applies more to England.

Regardless, the cameo looks Victorian to me, which is what we're all about in this house

Sorry Komo. I don't think the piece would go with your eyes

 

You sweet talker you !!!
You say the nicest things !!!