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
$1,650.00 Add to cart
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 $Sold
9 carat rose gold antique carnelian cameo ring
The colour from both the carnelian and the gold combine perfectly to make such an elegant ring that will no doubt always be loved and cherished. Made in the early 1900's this ring is set with a cameo that was hand carved from carnelian and depicts a woman's head in profile. Carnelian comes from the quartz family and is a very strong and durable material that was only carved by the true masters. The detail in this cameo is incredible and considering that it measures 15.7mm by 12.5mm shows just how much talent and skill went into carving this ring. With a charming split designed band, this is a cameo ring that is perfect for any occasion and will always be admired. Stock# ES7843 Circa: 1900 $Sold
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
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.