Renaissance Revival Carved Opal Cameo Pendant

The cameo at the center of this exceptional pendant is a stunning example of the art of gem engraving during the Renaissance. It likely dates to the early 17th century and features a sacrificial scene inspired by the Greco-Roman era. The central flaming altar is flanked by two figures preparing to sacrifice a ram, while a figure in a lion skin blowing horns stands in the left corner. The carver brilliantly uses the natural layers of the stone to achieve the illusion of shadow and musculature on the figures. A second, smaller cameo is set at the top of the pendant, while a myriad of multi-colored gems, pearls and enamel adorns the 18K gold setting. A large Baroque pearl suspended from an enamel dragon finishes the design, which embodies the opulence and theatricality of jewels from the Renaissance age. Cameos and intaglios were highly popular amongst wealthy connoisseurs in Renaissance Italy, and owning the finest pieces was the privilege of princes. Although they were often elaborately mounted for display alone, cameos were also frequently worn as pendants, surrounded by enameled and stone-set gold frames. Such pieces were particularly prized by the Medici and Lorraine families, many of which can now be seen at the National Archeological Museum in Florence. Very few Renaissance cameos...

Holbeinesque enameled pendant with natural pearls and fire-opal. This is a fabulous Victorian Holbeinesque pendant attributed to Russell and created in England back in 1860. The rare and important pendant has been crafted in solid yellow gold of 19 karats and is embellished on both sides, with applications of green, blue and red glass enamel floral motifs. The piece is centered by a gorgeous precious fire opal, which is surrounded by squared stations mounted with six natural white pearls and suspended with one pear shaped dangling white pearl. The top of the pendant has a pretty surmount and bale ring (loop) decorated to match the rest of the locket, in the same enamel work. Holbeinesque jewelry...

Renaissance Revival Enamel & Pearl Lion Pendant An Austro-Hungarian Renaissance Revival gold pendant depicting Poseidon with a spear atop a crest, flanked by winged figures. The pen...

France, circa 1880s This ornate 18K gold locket pendant is designed in the Renaissance Revival style. The front is centered with a reddish orange ci...

France, circa 1860 This antique 18K gold and silver pendant / brooch is designed in the Renaissance style of the 1500s. It features two cabochon cut deep red garnets framed by ornat...

Chanel Renaissance Revival Pearl Pendant, Maison Gripoix by Victoire de Castellane for Chanel. Gripoix hand made poured glass pendant in ruby and emerald glass in bronze settings on ...

This pendant features a detailed blue opal cameo set against a deep black background. The intricate carving showcases a profile with flowing hair and delicate features. Encased in a ...

This is an antique Emerald and Pearl Pendant Necklace set with seven gorgeous green emerald cut rectangular Emeralds in the Renaissance Revival Style. The Emeralds total approximate...

Renaissance Revival Pendant with Enamel, Pearls, and Gemstones Description: An ornate Renaissance Revival pendant crafted in 18K yellow gold, showcasing elaborate enamel work and sy...

An utterly distinctive and truly captivating vintage treasure! This Victorian cameo, meticulously crafted from ivory, portrays a petite angel encircled by blossoms. Absolutely breath...