Antique hardstone cameo pendant that can be worn as a brooch

Cameos are commonly carved from shell and rarely in harder materials as it takes a true master carver to get the detail when carving into harder material and here is a very beautiful antique sardonyx cameo pendant that can easily be worn as a brooch.

Dating from the 1880's, the pendant was made in 15 carat gold and has the most beautiful shape combined with incredible detail that stands out from near or far.

In the centre is a very intricately hand carved cameo made of sardonyx. Sardonyx is a naturally layered material from the quartz family that is naturally layered with white and a soft pink to orange background, that when carved allows the carver to show these colours, and to highlight the form in this case a woman's head in profile. And the quality of carving is just spectacular. The detail is captivating with so much detail in the hair and there is no doubt that this was carved by a master carver.

Measuring 27.1mm across by 40mm or 47.8mm to the top of the bail, when worn as a brooch, the bail just folds down behind the pendant to allow it to sit perfectly as a brooch.

So attractive, this is a wonderful antique piece that no matter how it is worn, will always look so beautiful.

Stock# ES9863

Circa: 1880

$2,650