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Exquisite antique hardstone cameo fitted on an enamel bracelet
Cameos are as individual as paintings and are usually carved from shell which is a relatively soft material that allows for some magnificent cameos to be produced, and the finest of all the cameos have been carved from much harder material from the cryptocrystalline quartz family such as onyx, carnelian and sardonyx which has been used in this magnificent antique cameo bracelet dating from the late Victorian era of the 1890's. Sardonyx is a naturally layered material that when carved down into the material leaves the white on the top to show the burnt orange colour below which is used to highlight the cameo magnificently in this bracelet. Referred to as a hardstone cameo, this material was only carved by the most experienced carvers due to the extreme difficulty in carving the sardonyx, and this would have no doubt been hand carved in Idar-Oberstein in Germany. For centuries Idar-Oberstein was known as the best place in the world for cutting hard material such as this and where the best of the best engravers produced exceptional pieces such as this. The detail in the cameo is nothing short of exceptional and the closer you get, the more you can appreciate not only the incredible detail but also the quality of craftsmanship that went into carving this cameo by hands well over 100 years ago. Measuring 35.6mm by 26.4mm, the cameo sits perfectly on top of the wrist and then leads to the 15 carat expandable bracelet this is highlighted with black enamel. The quality of the enamel is still in superb condition as is the bracelet itself and the springs between each link. Having the springs between the links will allow it to fit so many wrists and once on sit nice and close to the wrist where it will not move around the wrist. With every aspect of the bracelet in amazing condition and a cameo of extraordinary beauty, this bracelet is as unique as it is beautiful. Stock# ES9225 Circa: 1890 $5,200
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18 carat gold antique hardstone cameo ring made in 1899
Cameos have traditionally been carved from shell which is a relatively soft material that allows for some magnificent cameos to be produced, and the finest of all the cameos have been carved from much harder material from the cryptocrystalline quartz family such as sardonyx, onyx and carnelian such as in this very beautiful antique cameo that was made in Birmingham in 1899. The oval cameo is set in a very elegant 18 carat setting and depicts a young maiden playing a lyre with such a demure and feminine look to her. The detail is just wonderful and as hardstone cameos are substantially more difficult to carve than shells, this was only left to the very best carvers. The frame around the cameo measures 17.8mm by 9.7mm and the ring sits perfectly on the finger where it accentuates the hand so well. Perfect for any finger, this antique cameo ring is so elegant and refined, and typical of the gorgeous late Victorian era. Stock# ES9178 Hallmarked: Birmingham 1899 $1,650
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Antique Whitby jet and cameo necklace from the 1880’s
Here is a truly spectacular antique necklace that is not only made in Whitby jet, but also has seven panels of hand carved cameos that makes this necklace stand out like no other. Whitby jet is a fossilized material of a tree called the Araucaria Tree which is also known as the Monkey Puzzle tree. Dense black in colour – which is where the term “Jet black” came from – the best material has always come from the town of Whitby in England, where it was mostly depleted by the end of the 20th century. With a wonderful tactile feel to it, the largest piece in the centre measures 35.2mm in length and the smallest oval pieces near the end 27.7mm in length. The round piece at the very ends measure 15mm in diameter, and laid out from end to end, it measures 40cm in length and sits so beautifully around the neck. This is the style of piece that will make any woman walk tall and feel so proud to wear this. The shell cameos depict various scenes such as St George slaying the dragon and The Three Graces. The way the soft colouring from the shell cameo is set into the black of the Whitby jet, really makes each piece compliment one another, and there is no doubt that whenever and wherever this necklace is worn, it will always get the attention that it rightly deserves. As beautiful and elegant today as when it was made 140 years ago, this Whitby jet and cameo necklace is just divine. Stock# ES3448 Circa: 1880 $3,650
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Antique Whitby Jet cameo bracelet from the Victorian era
The colour and texture of Whitby Jet is just wonderful to touch and admire and the jewellery made from it was very popular in during the late Victorian period of the 1880's/1890's era when this White Jet bracelet was made. Made with a cameo of a woman's head in profile set in the centre, this cameo piece measures 35.6mm across by 43.1mm and has so much detail that is wonderful to admire. The facetted links around are all joined by two rows of elastic cord with the largest piece at the back measuring 22.5mm wide by 35mm and the other pieces of alternating two different sizes that makes such an elegant look to this bracelet, that combined with their facetted edges, reflects the light beautifully. This look of this bracelet is just so beautiful and is a piece that can easily be worn with other antique jewellery as well as modern contemporary pieces and fit right in. As beautiful today as when it was made over 130 years ago, this Whitby Jet bracelet will never cease to be admired every time that it is worn. Stock# ES8215 Circa: 1890 $950
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Antique cameo and Whitby jet earrings dating from the 1890’s
These antique earrings are perfect for anyone who loves Whitby jet or cameos or in this case, conveniently both. Dating from the late Victorian period of the 1890's, each earring measures 21.6mm wide by 54.2mm from the bottom to the very top of the shepherd hooks and look so elegant on the ear. The length of these earrings combined with the combination of Whitby jet and the cameo make them a truly sensational pair of earrings that are as beautiful as they are unique. Whitby jet is a fossilized material of a tree called the Araucaria Tree which is also known as the Monkey Puzzle tree. Dense black in colour - which is where the term “Jet black” came from - the best material has always come from the town of Whitby in England, where it was mostly depleted by the end of the 20th century. And then the shell cameo set into each earring not only adds some colour, but makes them truly amazing to admire from near or far. The brown and white is emphasised even more by the black from the jet, and the carving of the jet captures the light so well. Fitted on secure shepherd hooks, these antique earrings are just perfect for any occasion. Stock # ES9139 Circa: 1890 $2,150
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Beautiful antique cameo ring made in Birmingham in 1917
Here is such a beautifully hand carved antique cameo ring that looks so beautiful with gorgeous pink set into the rich yellow gold setting. Made in 18 carat yellow gold in 1917, the setting is so elegant to fully compliment the cameo and feels so smooth from the band to the bezel. Measuring 14.3mm across by 17.1mm, the cameo depicts the profile of a woman and has been so beautifully hand carved. The detail is wonderful as there is so much depth to her features that make her stand out even more. This is such an attractive antique cameo ring that looks so elegant and refined on the finger. Stock# ES8756 Hallmarked: Birmingham 1917 $2,150
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Antique hardstone cameo diamond and pearl brooch/pendant
Cameos have been found as far back as 3,000BC and each one is as unique as a painting, and here is an antique cameo of exceptional quality. Dating from the 1880's, most cameos are carved from shell, and the finest quality ones are carved from harder material such as this one here in onyx. Any cameo carved from this harder material can only be done by a master carver with many years of experience and the advantage of using a material such as onyx, is that it is naturally layered in two colours to highlight the top carving from the background. Looking closely at the carving of a man, there is no doubt that this was carved by someone of immense skill. From the detail in the eye, hair and nose, to the curls in his beard, this is a truly exceptional cameo that is up there with the best of the best. And then there is the mount that it is set into which is not only beautiful but very ingenious. Made in 15 carat gold, it is set with a border of eight pearls and eight European cut diamonds, as well as two more pearls and one more diamond on the top detachable bail. The diamonds total 0.86 carats and sparkle so beautifully and highlights the cameo even further. Not only can this be worn as both a pendant and a brooch, but when this is being worn as a pendant, the brooch fitting on the back can be unscrewed and the hook that it clips into can be folded down to allow it to sit flat against the chest, and when worn as a brooch, the top bail can be removed. This just shows how much thought went into making this piece over 140 year ago and regardless of how it is chosen to be worn, it will always be admired. Measuring 36.9mm across by 45.2mm or 58.4mm with the bail attached, this is one of the finest quality cameos that you will ever see. Stock# ES9007 Circa: 1880 $7,450
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Antique pink shell cameo made in the late 1800’s
Here is such a beautiful antique pink shell cameo made in the late 1800's that showcases the difference between modern cameos and ones that were hand carved to such a high standard all those years ago. Whereas most cameos are often carved in the helmet cameo which is an orange and white/beige colouring, these have been hand carved from the conch shell which has a lovely delicate pink and white colours which are so beautiful to admire from near or far. In total there are seven cameos with the ones at the end measuring 24.7mm by 18.7mm and the largest one in the centre measuring 28.6mm by 20.5mm. The quality of the carving is superb and each one is such exquisite detail that will have you admiring it every time it is on your wrist. Measuring 17cm from end to end and set in 15 carat rose gold, this is one bracelet that will always be loved and appreciated by all who see it. Stock# U037 Circa: 1890 $3,300
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Antique cameo brooch locket from the Victorian era
This is such an elegant antique cameo brooch locket from the Victorian era that dates from the 1870's and has such a regal look and feel to it. Made in 15 carat gold and measuring 4.1cm across by 7cm from the very top to the bottom of the foxtail link tassel, the brooch has a very elegant sway and flow to it when worn thanks to the charming tassel. The cameo has been expertly hand carved and displays so much detail and would have been carved by a true master who knew how to exemplify fine quality that is combined with the stunning mount that it has been placed into. Not only a brooch, the reverse side has a locket compartment making this so much more unique and personal once a photo is placed inside. This is a lovely antique cameo brooch that also has a matching pair of earrings which can be viewed in another window here: https://kalmarantiques.com.au/product/antique-cameo-drop-earrings-from-the-victorian-era/ Stock# U027 Circa: 1870 $2,800
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Very large antique cameo of Zeus and Hera dating from the 1880’s
Here is a very large antique cameo of Zeus and Hera dating from the 1880's that measures an impressive 6.9cm wide by 8.1cm and will make such a wonderful and eye catching accessory to any outfit and will surely get the attention and admiration that it rightly deserves. Cameos of this size are so rarely found, and with such a large "canvas" of shell, the engraver of this cameo was able to put in so much exquisite detail, that was all done by hand many years ago. Today many cameos are mass produced and not hand carved, resulting in them all being the same however nothing beats the quality and individual look and style of one that has been carved by hand. Depicting Zeus with his wife Hera, there is also an eagle at the bottom, the Aetos Dios, which was a giant golden eagle which served as Zeus's personal messenger and animal companion. With a border of white from the shell that highlights the cameo so beautifully, and with wonderful proportions, this is an antique cameo that will most certainly stand out and be admired from near or far. Stock# T851 Circa: 1880 $2,900
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Antique hardstone onyx cameo ring with hand engraved shoulders
Cameos are often carved from shell which is a relatively soft material, whereas this cameo was hand carved from onyx which is from the quartz family and much more stronger and also much harder to carve and was left to the best of the best carvers. Carved from onyx which is naturally layered black and white, this antique cameo ring depicts a woman’s head in profile and was so exquisitely hand carved with fantastic attention to detail. The black and white colouring of the onyx really makes the cameo stand out and the cameo measures 16.7mm by 12.3mm. Dating from the 1880’s, the ring was made in 15 carat gold and not only do the sides taper down so elegantly, but they also display the most wonderful hand engraving that accentuates the ring as a whole and makes it even more feminine. With a lovely tactile feel to both the cameo and the band, this is a wonderful example of a late Victorian antique cameo ring that shows the quality of craftsmanship from all those years ago. Stock# ES8239 Circa: 1880 $2,200
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19th century antique coral bracelet made in France
Here is a truly exceptional 19th century antique coral bracelet made in France that is of the highest standard and quality. Natural coral in this colour is so hard to find and the modern coral found today is often sponge coral which is then dyed to imitate this colour. Highly prized and desired since Roman times, the colour from this coral is just amazing as is the high quality of the carving on each of the five pieces. Beautifully hand made in 18ct yellow gold in the 1840's, the standard of manufacture really is second to none. The way the links have a fluid design and wrap around each other is just incredible as is the way the clasp is hidden into the bracelet with a seamless finish and look to it. Even the frame of each the cameos showcases the high quality and all of this work is there to compliment and highlight each of the coral cameos. With the largest cameo including its frame measuring 34.2mm by 27.8mm, and the smaller ones measuring 31.7mm by 23.6mm, the size of each coral cameo allows for such incredible and highly intricate detail that was no doubt expertly hand carved nearly 200 years ago. Each cameo takes your breath away at the quality of hand carving and finding a bracelet with one coral cameo of this quality would be difficult, let alone five. From end to end the bracelet measures a full 19.6cm and sits so well on the wrist and regardless of which cameo is showing, there is little doubt that it will always be admired and appreciated. This is a true collectors piece of museum quality that is unlike anything else and real one-off piece that could never be replicated. Stock# ES7541 Circa: 1840 $23,800
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