What is a Victorian cameo brooch?

A Victorian cameo brooch is a decorative piece of jewellery featuring a carved relief image, typically depicting classical motifs, portraits, or allegorical figures, set into a metal frame during the 19th century.

What materials were traditionally used to create cameos during the 1800s?

Cameos from this era were predominantly hand-carved from natural conch shell, lava stone, or layered agate, and subsequently mounted in high-karat yellow gold or silver frames.

How do you verify the authenticity of an antique shell cameo brooch?

Authentic shell cameos display subtle natural colour striations, translucent properties under light, minute hand-carving variations, and period-appropriate fastenings such as tube hinges or C-clasps.

How can an antique cameo brooch be incorporated into modern attire?

An antique brooch can be styled by fastening it to a tailored jacket lapel, attaching it to a silk neck scarf, or using it as a decorative accent on a collar.

How should an antique gold and shell cameo brooch be cared for?

Clean the piece gently using a dry, soft microfibre cloth. Avoid harsh chemical polishes and keep natural shell away from excess moisture, direct sunlight, and extreme temperature shifts to prevent cracking.

for sale €761 $826

£650

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Antique Victorian Cherub Cameo Brooch 18k Gold Ornate Frame - C.1860

Name: Antique Victorian Cherub Cameo Brooch 18k Gold Ornate Frame - C.1860
Brand: Antique
SKU: SA1170757
Price: 650 GBP
Availability: InStock

19th century

For Sale by Artisan Antiques

Description

We are delighted to offer this endearing antique Victorian gold cameo brooch made c.1860.

This lovely brooch features a wonderfully ornate and richly scrolled frame/mount set in a wonderful antique buttery coloured 18ct solid gold with accents of foliate and floral motifs.

The central shell cameo features a cherub in portrait with a left-right gaze. Its intricacy is most apparent in the hair and wing areas where very fine hand engravings create an almost translucent effect towards the tips.

Furthermore, the reverse side of the brooch reveals a memorial locket with the surrounding mount being hand-engraved and dated 1861.

Owing to its modest size, yet rich with exquisite features, this brooch would make for a versatile piece to wear whether it be within a collection or as a single standalone piece. Whether it be on a lapel, shirt or jumper in the cooler seasons, this brooch would make for a lovely piece to accent an outfit and is bound to be a conversation starter for the keen-eyed.

The brooch is unmarked, as is common with articles of this period, and as such we have tested it, indicating 18ct gold.

Overall, such an enchanting and lovely piece for any antique jewellery or cameo lovers and a wonderful way to wear and express your passion for fine antiques.

All of our jewellery comes with a complimentary hard shell gift box with a velvet interior.

Size & Total Weight

4cm x 3cm

7.40g /2.37 troy oz

Condition: good antique condition with no major issues/damage. Some minor surface wear commensurate with age and one slight surface chip/crack towards the top in the background - please kindly refer to the photographs for further details.

We aim to overemphasise and state these issues (if any) to avoid disappointment and thus please rest assured they are not significant nor affect the usage of the items.

Please refer to the photos for further details.

*Please note: all other items are for display purposes only and this listing is for the item listed in the title only.

FREE SHIPPING

Artisan Antiques offers free global shipping with professional, secure and discreet packaging.

We will always ensure your items are packaged with the utmost care and see the delivery through to the end. In the very rare and unfortunate case of non-delivery/courier loss, you are fully covered with us and we will fully refund you.

*All parcels are insured - please rest assured all shipping liabilities other than import/customs duty are covered by Artisan Antiques.

*Colours of the product may slightly differ from the photos due to different computer screens & lighting conditions*

Declaration

Artisan Antiques has dated this Victorian Gold Cameo Brooch to the Victorian era.

Reference Numbers

Sellingantiques Reference

SA1170757

Dealers Notes

We strive to provide inimitable first-class service with your needs and satisfaction as our number one priority.

Description

We are delighted to offer this endearing antique Victorian gold cameo brooch made c.1860.

“

This lovely brooch features a wonderfully ornate and richly scrolled frame/mount set in a wonderful antique buttery coloured 18ct solid gold with accents of foliate and floral motifs.

Artisan Antiques

fig 1. An oval Victorian shell cameo depicting a relief-carved cherub, mounted in an 18ct gold frame with scrollwork and leaf motifs. — fig 1. Antique Victorian Cherub Cameo Brooch 18k Gold Ornate Frame - C.1860

The central shell cameo features a cherub in portrait with a left-right gaze. Its intricacy is most apparent in the hair and wing areas where very fine hand engravings create an almost translucent effect towards the tips.

fig 2. An oval Victorian shell cameo depicting a relief-carved cherub, mounted in an 18ct gold frame with scrollwork and leaf motifs. — fig 2. Antique Victorian Cherub Cameo Brooch 18k Gold Ornate Frame - C.1860

Furthermore, the reverse side of the brooch reveals a memorial locket with the surrounding mount being hand-engraved and dated 1861.

Owing to its modest size, yet rich with exquisite features, this brooch would make for a versatile piece to wear whether it be within a collection or as a single standalone piece. Whether it be on a lapel, shirt or jumper in the cooler seasons, this brooch would make for a lovely piece to accent an outfit and is bound to be a conversation starter for the keen-eyed.

fig 3. An oval Victorian shell cameo depicting a relief-carved cherub, mounted in an 18ct gold frame with scrollwork and leaf motifs. — fig 3. Antique Victorian Cherub Cameo Brooch 18k Gold Ornate Frame - C.1860

The brooch is unmarked, as is common with articles of this period, and as such we have tested it, indicating 18ct gold.

Overall, such an enchanting and lovely piece for any antique jewellery or cameo lovers and a wonderful way to wear and express your passion for fine antiques.

fig 4. An oval Victorian shell cameo depicting a relief-carved cherub, mounted in an 18ct gold frame with scrollwork and leaf motifs. — fig 4. Antique Victorian Cherub Cameo Brooch 18k Gold Ornate Frame - C.1860

All of our jewellery comes with a complimentary hard shell gift box with a velvet interior.

Size & Total Weight

4cm x 3cm

7.40g /2.37 troy oz

Condition: good antique condition with no major issues/damage. Some minor surface wear commensurate with age and one slight surface chip/crack towards the top in the background - please kindly refer to the photographs for further details.

fig 5. An oval Victorian shell cameo depicting a relief-carved cherub, mounted in an 18ct gold frame with scrollwork and leaf motifs. — fig 5. Antique Victorian Cherub Cameo Brooch 18k Gold Ornate Frame - C.1860

We aim to overemphasise and state these issues (if any) to avoid disappointment and thus please rest assured they are not significant nor affect the usage of the items.

Please refer to the photos for further details.

fig 6. An oval Victorian shell cameo depicting a relief-carved cherub, mounted in an 18ct gold frame with scrollwork and leaf motifs. — fig 6. Antique Victorian Cherub Cameo Brooch 18k Gold Ornate Frame - C.1860

Please note: all other items are for display purposes only and this listing is for the item listed in the title only.

FREE SHIPPING

Artisan Antiques offers free global shipping with professional, secure and discreet packaging.

fig 7. An oval Victorian shell cameo depicting a relief-carved cherub, mounted in an 18ct gold frame with scrollwork and leaf motifs. — fig 7. Antique Victorian Cherub Cameo Brooch 18k Gold Ornate Frame - C.1860

We will always ensure your items are packaged with the utmost care and see the delivery through to the end. In the very rare and unfortunate case of non-delivery/courier loss, you are fully covered with us and we will fully refund you.