Antique Vintage Deco 14k Gold Etruscan Carved Chalcedony Cameo Floral Pin Brooch

Description

We have similar Cameo and Deco items, which would pair nicely with this piece up for auction this week.
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in
separate listings, please visit our store and search "Cameo" or "Deco" under our auction items.
Listing description by: Angela A.
The Piece
Auction Estimate:
,000 - ,000
Age Circa:
Art Deco C. 1920 - 1940
Markings
: "K14" on the bale, tested, and guaranteed
Country of Origin:
Unknown
Brand:
Unknown
Gram Weight:
5.3 grams
Metal Type:
14k yellow gold
Item Weight Value:
0.00 (value all-inclusive weight)
Material
: --
Main Stone
: Chalcedony
Main Stone Measurements/Color:
Carat weight:
approximately 12.40 carats
Length:
30.18 mm
Width:
22.97 mm
Depth
: 2.5 mm
Color:
semi-translucent peach and white hues
Accent Stone:
--
Accent Stone Measurements/Color:
--
Stone Treatment:
The stone(s) appear to be untreated, but we are not certified gemologists. Stone(s) have been tested and guaranteed using a professional Presidium Duo refractive, heat, and hardness tester.
Stone Cuts:
Carved and polished cameo
Item Measurements:
Length:
1.27"
Width
: 0.98"
Depth:
0.38" (including pin stem)
Pin/Brooch Style:
Brooch, lapel pin, hat pin, scarf pin, tie pin
Closure Type:
Pin stem with locking "c" clasp, standard folding bale
Convertible to Pendant:
This item contains a standard folding bale and can be worn as a pendant
Notable Features:
This brooch was handmade during the Art Deco era. Composed of 14k yellow gold, the brooch features a beautiful chalcedony stone carved into a floral cameo.
Cameo pieces like this were very fashionable during the Art Deco era, particularly with the popularity of Etruscan Revival jewelry. Part of the larger Archaeological Revival, the Etruscan Revival began following the discovery of ancient Etruscan sites outside of Rome in the 1830s. The discoveries made at these sites, which included intricate high purity designs and beautifully carved stones, would go on to influence jewelry designs for centuries to follow.
Etruscan-inspired pieces, particularly those with cameo carvings, were very popular amongst Grand Tour travelers visiting the Mediterranean. A rite of passage for the wealthy during the Art Deco era, a Grand Tour was an opportunity for a young aristocrat to travel to other countries to learn more about their histories, cultures, and art. To remember their experiences, travelers would often purchase jewelry that reflected the history and artistic styles of the cultures and countries they visited. Cameo pieces were often bought separately while traveling and then brought back to home to be fitted into jewelry.
The chalcedony cameo depicts a a lovely floral arrangement with several flowers, stems, and elegant curling leaves. The image of the flowers are white in hue while the background they sit atop is a lovely peach hue. A semi-translucent quality allows light to filter through its body and illuminate its cameo, as can be seen in the fifth photo provided above. The cameo rests in a yellow gold bezel setting, the vibrancy of the gold a lovely contrast to the softer peach and white hues of the chalcedony.
The cameo is surrounded by a rope twist motif border in classic Etruscan style. Completing the brooch is a pin stem with a locking "c" clasp which allows it to be worn on a variety of accessories, including hats, scarves, and lapels, among many others. The piece also contains a bale, which folds down, enabling it to be worn as a pendant on antique chains or necklaces. A classic example of Etruscan-inspired jewelry from the Art Deco era, this brooch would make a valuable addition to any antique jewelry collection. Don't miss your chance to preserve this piece of cultural history.
Damage:
Age appropriate wear.
There is an internal stress line within the stone that would have been created as the stone was forming; the stone is completely secure and this does not affect wear.
*This listing is for the item only. All display boxes and/or photography props do not come with your purchase.*
The History
The Art Deco era is famous for being the "Gatsby" or "Roaring Twenties" era. A lot of gorgeous and timeless designs in jewelry came out of this period. Jewelry from this period was most often crafted between 1920 and 1940. Art Deco jewelry sometimes featured white gold or platinum, geometric designs, European cut diamonds, filigree, and calibre cut stones that are specifically cut to fit the design of the piece. During the Art Deco period jewelers often made jewelry upon custom order, this would often take weeks to months to completely craft by hand.
Etruscan Revival jewelry was first popularized during the early 1800s when an Etruscan tomb was discovered just outside of Rome. Upon its discovery, jewelers worked to imitate and understand the metalworking techniques with which the jewelry was made. Not only was Etruscan jewelry a luxurious addition to the Victorian styles of the day. But it introduced new ideas and decorations. These Etruscan tombs contained jewelry adorned with long and flowing geometric lines and motifs, mythological imagery and scenery, and celestial elements. The techniques of repoussé, filigree, and granulation are all attributed to the Etruscans.
The Grand Tour was a popular vacation during the Georgian and Victorian eras. This vacation was generally between two and four years long, and it allowed wealthy people the opportunity to study different cultures, architecture, and art. During this vacation, travelers would pick up pieces of jewelry, which allowed the introduction of techniques and styles such as cameos, mosaics, and pietra dura to be introduced into popular jewelry styles.
A cameo is an image that has been carved in raised relief by cutting away the background of different materials to create a contrast in height and color. The earliest examples of cameos date back to the 3rd century BC. In antiquity, this was achieved by carving into a single piece of banded agate to reveal the layers of colors, but now it is much more common that cameos are made of two different materials. The most common form of fine jewelry cameo is created by layering a carved white shell on top of a stone of contrasting color with a flat plane. Cameos usually depict a beautiful or famous person in profile, or a mythological figure. The Romans were true artisans when it came to creating these pieces, so there are many Roman cultural influences found in cameos, even to this day. These are true miniature art works.
Chalcedony is a compact and microcrystalline form of quartz. It occurs in many different forms, colors, and patterns, and many varieties have been used as gemstones since antiquity. Several semi-precious gemstones are types of chalcedony such as agate, aventurine, carnelian, and onyx. Chalcedony is coveted for being a healing stone with mineral properties that promote unity and good will.
Domestic US
: All items ship within one business day of receiving payment. Buyers will have 3 base shipping options to choose from, depending on the needed speed of delivery. Pricing on single and multi-purchase transactions can be seen below:
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