C1850 Lava Putty Cameo Brooch of Demeter, Goddess of Agriculture

Georgian shell cameo of a young women set in an 18K gold cannettile bezel. The classical motif of the cameo suggests it was acquired by a traveler on the G...

Enchanting brooch of cut steel and mother of pearl with carved image of a faithful dog standing at attention as his human companion peacefully angles for a catch under the shade of a tree. The scene is carved from Mother of Pearl and mounted in cut steel. The brooch’s long bar hinge with curved "C" catch helps authenticate indicate its age. Mother of pearl is the iridescent inner shell of mollusks that produce pearls. It has been used to carve decorative objects since ancient times and is the most precious part of the shell. Cut steel was a jewelry form crafted by a cottage industry of men and women (and likely child labor as well) in the 18th and 19th century England. Cut steel was also made in France. Using found materials, this enterprising group of artisans fashioned jewelry from nails which after pounding and polishing and setting, imitated the sparkle of diamonds in the light. Cut steel achieved great popularity as it appealed to people of more moderate means and was the only jewelry form in history that was made by steel workers...

19th Century Lava Cameo Brooch in patinated brass mount size 5cms x 4cms overall

Victorian high relief sardonyx cameo of maiden with hair wreath decoration. The wreath and dress closure are carnelian toned against her alabaster profile....