Carved Shell and 15ct Yellow Gold Cameo Brooch - Antique Circa 1880

This stunning carved shell cameo brooch has been crafted in 15ct yellow gold.

The finely carved shell cameo displays a less common depiction of Hebe, the Greek goddess of youth and divine cupbearer to the gods and the Aetos Dios, a giant golden eagle which served as Zeus' personal messenger and animal companion; Zeus, being Hebe's father.

In this carving, the eagle is holding a cornucopia (horn of plenty), representing the horn of Amalthea, the goat who nourished Zeus when he was a baby.

The oval shaped carved shell cameo is collet set in an polished 15ct yellow gold frame ornamented with an applied rope twist border and four applied scrolling motifs interconnected via plain curved bands.

The brooch secures to the reverse with a hinged pin and clasp.

This antique brooch is hallmarked to the outer rim with the 15ct gold fineness mark (15ct) and maker's mark 'JS'.

View the complete range of Victorian brooches

Date: Circa 1880

This stunning antique brooch is fine quality with an exceptional, and more unusual carved shell cameo.

The frame is a very good gauge of gold and in excellent condition with a clear hallmark to the rim.

Reflections in photographs may detract from the true representation of this fine example of antique jewellery/estate jewelry.

Length of setting 6.8cm/2.67"

Width across setting 5.5cm/2.16"

Height of setting 1.5cm/0.59"

28.26 grams