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

$Sold.