What is a Victorian hardstone cameo?

Hardstone cameos are carved relief gems where artists cut through layered stones like agate or onyx to reveal contrasting background colours. Popular throughout the late 19th century, these pieces frequently depicted classical mythological figures or classical portraits.

What materials were traditionally used to construct 19th-century cameo brooches?

Victorian hardstone cameos were carved from layered agate, onyx, or sardonyx. Settings were constructed from yellow gold, silver-topped gold, or platinum, frequently accented with rose-cut or old-cut diamonds.

How can authentic 19th-century hardstone cameos be identified?

Authentic hardstone cameos display cold surface temperatures, crisp relief carving under magnification, and natural stone banding rather than molded seams. Period settings feature hand-finished claw mountings, longer pin stems, and C-clasps or tube hinges.

How can an antique cameo brooch be styled in modern attire?

An antique brooch can be worn positioned on coat lapels, high-necked collars, or silk scarves. It may also be converted into a pendant necklace or affixed to velvet ribbons as a choker.

How should an antique hardstone and diamond brooch be maintained?

Clean the piece gently using a soft toothbrush, mild soap, and tepid water, avoiding ultrasonic cleaners or harsh chemicals. Store the item individually in a lined box to prevent diamond facets from scratching other surfaces.

for sale €3,452 $3,747

£2,950

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Classical Figure Brooch

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Antique Hardstone and 0.78ct Diamond, 18ct Yellow Gold Black Cameo Brooch Circa 1880

Name: Antique Hardstone and 0.78ct Diamond, 18ct Yellow Gold Black Cameo Brooch Circa 1880
Brand: Antique
SKU: SA1130317
Price: 2950 GBP
Availability: InStock

19th century

For Sale by AC Silver

Description

A stunning, fine and impressive antique hardstone and 0.78ct diamond, 18 carat yellow gold and silver set black cameo brooch; part of our diverse antique cameo jewellery and estate jewelry collections.

This stunning, fine and impressive antique Victorian brooch with diamonds has been crafted in 18ct yellow gold with a silver setting.

The oval shaped frame is ornamented to the centre with a collet set hardstone cameo.

The cameo depicts a dancing muse figure draped in fabric and holding fruit.

The exceptional hardstone panel is framed by a plain frame accented with eight collet set Old European round cut diamonds to the cardinal points.

The upper and lower portions of the frame are embellished with leaf designs accented with twelve pavé set Dutch cut diamonds.

This antique black cameo brooch in yellow gold secures to the reverse with a hinged pin and clasp.

This impressive Victorian brooch has been independently tested using state of the art technology (Niton XL2 Analyzer) and verified as 18 carat gold and silver.

This 19th century brooch is supplied with an IDGL diamond grading report card.

A cameo brooch is a timeless gift, perfect for milestone birthdays, anniversaries and collectors of Victorian jewellery. Its vintage charm also makes it a distinctive wedding gift or a meaningful "something old" for brides.

Images do not always reflect the true colour and brilliance of gemstones and diamonds. The video however provides a truer representation of the actual colour and showcases each stone.

Condition

This antique brooch is superior quality, set with a hardstone cameo and impressive diamonds displaying a fine white colour and brilliance.

The brooch is a superior gauge of gold and silver, and is in exceptional condition.

Reflections in photographs may detract from the true representation of this fine example of cameo jewellery.

Diamond Quality

Colour (average grades) H

Clarity (average grades) SI2

Cut Old European/Dutch

Content 0.78 carat

Number of Diamonds

20

Dimensions

Length of setting 4cm/1.57"

Width of setting 3.3cm/1.3"

Across pin 2.6cm/1.02"

Height of setting 4.09mm/0.16"

Weight

12.20 grams

Date: Circa 1880

A video is available upon request.

Physical Dimensions

Height

0.4cm (0.16")

Width

3.3cm (1.30")

Depth

4cm (1.57")

Declaration

AC Silver has dated this Victorian Hardstone Cameo Brooch to the 1880s.

Reference Numbers

Sellingantiques Reference

SA1130317

Dealers Internal Reference

C9119

Dealers Notes

PLEASE NOTE: AC Silver takes pride in offering only quality items for sale.

This pride in quality includes the professional, efficient and personal service extended to all AC Silver customers.

All items purchased usually dispatched within 24 hours following cleared payment.

All items are professionally and securely packaged, sent FREE of charge and are FULLY INSURED during transit.

FREE worldwide international deliveries are via FedEx International Priority Service.

AC Silver is pleased to provide a 30-day money back guarantee.

Description

A stunning, fine and impressive antique hardstone and 0.

“

78ct diamond, 18 carat yellow gold and silver set black cameo brooch; part of our diverse antique cameo jewellery and estate jewelry collections.

AC Silver

fig 1. An oval Victorian brooch featuring a carved light blue and white hardstone cameo of a classical female figure against a black background, framed in gold with diamond accents. — fig 1. Antique Hardstone and 0.78ct Diamond, 18ct Yellow Gold Black Cameo Brooch Circa 1880

This stunning, fine and impressive antique Victorian brooch with diamonds has been crafted in 18ct yellow gold with a silver setting.

The oval shaped frame is ornamented to the centre with a collet set hardstone cameo.

fig 2. An oval Victorian brooch featuring a carved light blue and white hardstone cameo of a classical female figure against a black background, framed in gold with diamond accents. — fig 2. Antique Hardstone and 0.78ct Diamond, 18ct Yellow Gold Black Cameo Brooch Circa 1880

The cameo depicts a dancing muse figure draped in fabric and holding fruit.

The exceptional hardstone panel is framed by a plain frame accented with eight collet set Old European round cut diamonds to the cardinal points.

fig 3. An oval Victorian brooch featuring a carved light blue and white hardstone cameo of a classical female figure against a black background, framed in gold with diamond accents. — fig 3. Antique Hardstone and 0.78ct Diamond, 18ct Yellow Gold Black Cameo Brooch Circa 1880

The upper and lower portions of the frame are embellished with leaf designs accented with twelve pavé set Dutch cut diamonds.

This antique black cameo brooch in yellow gold secures to the reverse with a hinged pin and clasp.

fig 4. An oval Victorian brooch featuring a carved light blue and white hardstone cameo of a classical female figure against a black background, framed in gold with diamond accents. — fig 4. Antique Hardstone and 0.78ct Diamond, 18ct Yellow Gold Black Cameo Brooch Circa 1880

This impressive Victorian brooch has been independently tested using state of the art technology (Niton XL2 Analyzer) and verified as 18 carat gold and silver.

This 19th century brooch is supplied with an IDGL diamond grading report card.

fig 5. An oval Victorian brooch featuring a carved light blue and white hardstone cameo of a classical female figure against a black background, framed in gold with diamond accents. — fig 5. Antique Hardstone and 0.78ct Diamond, 18ct Yellow Gold Black Cameo Brooch Circa 1880

A cameo brooch is a timeless gift, perfect for milestone birthdays, anniversaries and collectors of Victorian jewellery. Its vintage charm also makes it a distinctive wedding gift or a meaningful "something old" for brides.

fig 6. An oval Victorian brooch featuring a carved light blue and white hardstone cameo of a classical female figure against a black background, framed in gold with diamond accents. — fig 6. Antique Hardstone and 0.78ct Diamond, 18ct Yellow Gold Black Cameo Brooch Circa 1880

Images do not always reflect the true colour and brilliance of gemstones and diamonds. The video however provides a truer representation of the actual colour and showcases each stone.

Condition

This antique brooch is superior quality, set with a hardstone cameo and impressive diamonds displaying a fine white colour and brilliance.