This exquisite antique victorian cameo brooch dates from the mid-19th century and features a beautifully hand-carved cameo crafted from a bullmouth or sardonyx shell. The high-relief cameo depicts the side profile of a classical maiden adorned with delicate flowers in her hair and is set in an interlaced 9ct yellow gold frame, with four engraved leaves woven in. Roman-style cameos became highly fashionable in britain during the 19th century, particularly as souvenirs of the 'grand tour,' when travellers developed a fascination with italy and classical antiquity. They often depicted mythological figures or goddesses and were a favourite of queen victoria also. This brooch offers a clever twist as the cameo can be rotated to reveal a hidden locket on the reverse, preserving a miniature daguerreotype portrait behind glass. Daguerreotypes were the earliest practical photographic process, marking the dawn of modern photography and this one is well-preserved, showing a finely dressed gentleman, likely a husband or father who was clearly very special and worthy of remembrance. A truly historic and captivating piece, this victorian cameo brooch is perfect for collectors and lovers of victorian heritage. It’s been updated with a securer safety lock catch at the back and is complete with its original fitted box lined with sumptuous navy-blue velvet and silk. Weight: 25.9 Grams measures: width 46mm x height 52mm x depth 11mm locket cameo 31 x 38mm stones: bullmouth sardonyx sh...
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This exquisite antique victorian cameo brooch dates from the mid-19th century and features a beautifully hand-carved cameo crafted from a bullmouth or sardonyx shell. The
