Quick View
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
$2,200.00 Add to cart
Quick View
Antique cameo ring with secret photo compartment
Here is a very rare and very beautiful antique cameo ring with secret photo compartment that will always be such a talking point every time that it is worn. Made in 18ct yellow gold in 1860, it is incredible to find an antique ring that is well over 150 still in superb condition such as this one here. Not only is it in wonderful condition, but the cameo was all hand carved and has such exquisite detail. More often cameos are carved in shell, however this one was hand carved out of onyx. Considered a hard material to work with, it is not only more durable that shell but also carries the name of being a "hard stone cameo". With the alternating layers of black and white which occurs naturally, it is easy to see why this material was used to highlight the face against the black background. Measuring 10mm from left to right by 11mm, this antique cameo ring sits so well on the finger and is so comfortable to wear all the time. And then there is its pièce de résistance of having the cameo hide a secret locket. This makes this ring not only so beautiful, but also now so much more special and once a photo or lock of hair is put inside, it will become even more personal to the person wearing it. From the hardstone cameo, the secret locket compartment, to the fact that it was made in 1860 and still able to be worn today, there is little doubt that this antique cameo ring is so special. Stock# R782 Hallmarked: Birmingham 1860 $Sold.