Lot 166C
Northern Europe, England, Victorian era, ca. 19th to early 20th century CE. A fine assemblage of 12 Victorian cameo jewels, each carved with the portrait bust of a lady in profile, a quintessential motif of the era celebrating feminine beauty and refinement. The group demonstrates the remarkable versatility of cameo production, featuring examples carved in stone, glass, shell, and porcelain. The lot comprises 2 necklaces, 3 brooches, 1 ring, 1 pendant, 1 pendant brooch, 1 pendant brooch with a chain, 1 pair of earrings, and 1 unmounted cameo plaque. Among the most distinguished pieces is a necklace set with four cameos in gilt brass (14% zinc and 2% gold), joined by floral links, alongside a second necklace with a clasp marked 10K, also gilt brass (13% zinc and 2% gold). A brooch with safety chain, composed of 44% gold, 31% silver, and 25% copper, exudes stately refinement. Size of largest (white porcelain): 1.6" W x 2.1" H (4.1 cm x 5.3 cm); of longer necklace strand (necklace with 1 cameo): 18.1" L (46 cm)
The openwork pendant (marked 1/20 12K) reveals finely applied gilding on brass, with 40.5% gold and 11% silver to the front and 3% gold on the verso. Another brooch of substantial size is fashioned in gilt brass with 1% gold, while a pendant brooch (marked 1/20 12K) blends gilt brass with 14% gold and 4% silver.
The sunburst brooch offers a bold contrast in mixed metals (48% nickel, 34% lead, 15% tin, 2% antimony, trace cobalt, copper, and gold), while the clip-on earrings, in nickel alloy with tin, lead, copper, and antimony, embody the Victorian penchant for elegant but wearable ornaments. A coral-hued cameo ring (45% copper, 35% gold, 13% silver) brings warmth to the set. Particularly notable is a large porcelain cameo brooch, inscribed "Shinl B" on the verso, its glossy surface and refined carving highlighting the adaptability of the medium. Finally, the lone cameo plaque, lacking metalwork, preserves the pure artistry of the carver's hand.
Collectively, these cameos capture the Victorian passion for neoclassical revival and portraiture, while the varied settings reflect the wide range of materials and craftsmanship employed to meet the tastes of both everyday wear and more luxurious adornment.
Provenance: private Dallas, Texas, USA collection, acquired between 1970 and 2015
All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.
A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.
We ship worldwide and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.
#195274
- Condition: Sunburst brooch has cameo detached. Others are intact and wearable. Light wear and patina throughout.
Accepted Forms of Payment:
American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Visa
Shipping
Auction House will ship, at Buyer's expense
Artemis Fine Arts
You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 25% and any applicable taxes and shipping.
View full terms and conditions
| From: | To: | Increments: |
|---|---|---|
| $0 | $299 | $25 |
| $300 | $999 | $50 |
| $1,000 | $1,999 | $100 |
| $2,000 | $4,999 | $250 |
| $5,000 | $9,999 | $500 |
| $10,000 | $19,999 | $1,000 |
| $20,000 | $49,999 | $2,500 |
| $50,000 | $99,999 | $5,000 |
| $100,000 | $199,999 | $10,000 |
| $200,000 + | $20,000 |