Italian Neoclassical Roman Goddess Aurora Of Dawn in Her Horse Chariot — Important Georgian Shell Cameo Brooch, c.1820
An Exquisite Antique Jewel of Neoclassical Elegance
Details
Medium: Hand-carved shell cameo
Mount: Original pinchbeck scrollwork frame
Dimensions: 7.8 cm (length) × 5.2 cm (width) × 1.5 cm (depth)
Weight: 20.6 grams
Date: Circa 1820 (Late Georgian)
Origin: Italian carving (likely Torre del Greco)
Description
This magnificent Georgian-era shell cameo brooch captures the radiant beauty of Aurora, the Roman goddess of dawn, soaring across the heavens in her two-horse chariot.
Carved with extraordinary finesse, Aurora’s flowing robes and rearing horses convey breathtaking movement and grace. The soft contrast between the creamy white relief and the honey-toned shell creates a warm, luminous glow — like the first light of day breaking across the sky.
The cameo is set in its original pinchbeck frame, richly ornamented with scrollwork and b
...eaded edging, and retains its C-clasp and long pin, both distinctive features of Georgian craftsmanship.
A masterpiece of artistry and myth — a piece that speaks of light, renewal, and timeless elegance.
Mythology & Meaning
In Roman mythology, Aurora (Eos in Greek) rises each morning from the sea, ushering in the dawn and scattering the night’s darkness. She symbolizes hope, renewal, and new beginnings — a fitting emblem of the human spirit’s eternal resilience.
In the early 19th century, Aurora became a beloved neoclassical motif in art and jewelry, admired for her poetic beauty and allegorical meaning. This makes the brooch not only a statement of taste, but a meaningful and sentimental treasure — an ideal Christmas or holiday gift that carries with it the promise of light and joy.
Frame & Craftsmanship
Material: Original 19th-century pinchbeck (gold-toned copper-zinc alloy)
Design: Ornate scrollwork and beaded border, finely hand-finished
Construction: C-clasp and extended pin, consistent with c.1820 craftsmanship
Patina: Warm and even, with gentle antique glow
Condition Report
Overall: Good antique condition
Shell carving: Crisp and clean with no cracks or losses
Fine natural internal line visable verso under light
Mount: Original and secure; natural age patina
Pin & clasp: Fully functional and stable
Surface: Light, age-appropriate wear to reverse only
We do not have the original box though we will include a modern box.
Professionally curated and authenticated by Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD, confirming its period accuracy, craftsmanship, and provenance.
Provenance
From a Private Northern Shire Collection, curated by Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD, a distinguished U.K. fine arts gallery.
This documented provenance enhances both the value and collectability of the piece for discerning U.S. and international buyers.
Collectability & Investment
Fine mythological cameos of this size and quality are increasingly rare.
Comparable examples in gold or pinchbeck mounts have achieved $3,000–$5,000 in galleries and auctions.
Its artistry, authenticity, and provenance make it a sound collector’s investment and a stunning heirloom for future generations. ??
A Truly Special Christmas Gift
This brooch is more than jewelry — it’s wearable art, full of light and symbolism.
An unforgettable Christmas or anniversary gift for anyone who cherishes history, craftsmanship, and classical beauty.
Beautifully packaged and ready to present with elegance and love. ????
Worldwide Shipping Available
Professionally packaged and fully insured for safe global delivery.
Add this precious rare jewellery brooch to your collection today.
Delivery shipping information
Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD ship worldwide, using fully insured and online tracked delivery services like DHL, DPD, Parcelforce or Fedex also the British Shop. We offer Free national Delivery to England mainland, Wales mainland & Scottish lowland mainland areas only.
We offer Free UK mainland delivery only, international shipping to USA, Canada, Europe. All other countries rest of the world please get in touch for a shipping quote.
Great care and much time are taken over the safe transportation of the Fine Art & Antique pieces which we sell.
We bespoke pack & wrap extremely carefully, so you can rest assured that your piece will arrive with you in great as described condition.
For larger paintings, antique furniture pieces, and fragile items which can not be sent via the normal postal services, we use professional door-to-door delivery providers, who will always strive to deliver your piece promptly, within approximate. 2-5 working days for the United Kingdom mainland & International delivery between 5-14 working days.
Returns Policy
We offer a 14-day money-back refund policy
(excluding the cost of Postage & Packaging costs & any duties, taxes customs charges paid on buyers behalf or buy the buyer direct ).
CONTACT US:
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We have a friendly & professional team on hand who are here to help you with any queries you may have.
Tel: 07494763382
Outside the UK:
Phone or text: 0044 7494763382
PAYMENT:
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Customs Payment & Brexit
Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD operates on a Delivery Duty Unpaid (DDU) basis which means that the International buyer is responsible for any import duties, taxes & customs clearance charges and any other customs charges which may be necessary to release an order from international customs.
Following the UK leaving the EU on 1st January 2021 (BREXIT) there have been some changes to customs & duty charges for EU customers. Tax and import duty varies from country to country so we recommend you check with your local tax office to see if any fees will be payable.
If the customer refuses to pay any duty and customs charges and the parcel is returned to sender all shipping charges will be deducted from any refund.
Internal Reference: 731
Antique ID Number (AIDN): SA1171491
Dateline of this antique is Georgian
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