These Victorian coral cameo earrings with 15ct yellow gold frames and shepherds' hook ear wires are most probably of English provenance, weigh exactly 10g and measure 3.8cm long, 21mm wide and 11mm deep. Lavish and intricate in every detail, these authentic Victorian cameo earrings epitomize the 1850's Victorian era during which time the widely used classical motifs of Greek and Roman mythological gods and goddesses in vogue during the preceding decade had gradually given place to carved portraits of what was then referred to as the 'idealized woman', depicting profiles of Romanesque feminine figures with classical features such as long, straight noses and Roman attires. These earrings depict the portrait of a Romanesque regal lady whose fine and beautiful features are masterfully handcarved 'en relief' in cameo-cut corals measuring 22mm long and 15mm wide, graded a delightful 'tiger-lilly salmon' color. Positioned within an immaculately crafted setting of multiple claw-prongs creating an intricate, finely 'dented' pattern, the cameos are embellished with exquisite Etruscan Revival style ovular borders, rendered in artistic twisted-and-plaited gold wire and Etruscan granulation, with alluringly scalloped perimeters. Outfitted with the original shepherds' hook ear wires, these authentic and quintessentially Victorian coral cameo earrings are designed exclusively for pierced ears.

The cameo proved to be a versatile fashion accessory that survived the whims of changing fashion during the 19th century England, France and Italy, partly due to Queen Victoria's and Napoleon's passion for it. While carvers produced an array of motifs using different materials such as hardstone, shell, gems and lava, coral remained the preferred material par excellence, as Victorians believed in this organic gem and cherished it as a symbol of beauty, hope and protection against evil. Discoveries of archeological sites in Italy and Egypt renewed an interest in the classics that influenced cameos of the Victorian era and motifs in vogue included mythological gods and goddesses, mostly produced as brooches, necklaces and parures. During the Victorian era (1837-1901), however, fashion trends changed with each decade, hence lockets and necklaces that predominated jewelry production in the 1840's due to the prevailing long hairstyle which covered the ears, gave place to a renewed interest in earrings and hair adornments by 1850's resulting in an extensive repertoire of such items with a wide array of motifs and materials. The cameo evolved throughout the Victorian era and fine examples of cameos were produced, carved by master craftsmen of the period, depicting scenes, classical motifs and portraiture. Such authentic pieces represent a valuable form of art that continues to be highly prized to the present day.

E1027E6C

Suggested Retail Price: $3,000.00 Your Price: $1,950.00 $1,750.00 Wholesale Price: $1,500.00