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This set of shell cameo jewelry consists of a brooch and two pairs of drop earrings. The cameo is carved to represent a young girl standing near a small, rustic house, under a tree. The cameo is mounted in a gold frame with a twisted gold ribbon surround. The brooch closes with a hinged pin and C- hook on the reverse. The larger of the two pairs of earrings are elongated dropsl in shape, each drop is carved with a figure in profile. Each drop is set in a twisted gold ribbon mount embellished with chased roses and leaves. Small rosettes cover the joins of the ribbon at the top and bottom. The earrings attach with loop wire fasteners; The smaller, round pair shell cameo drop earrings depict classical males in profile. They are set in a gold twisted gold ribbon mount, with looped wire fasteners.
pins (jewelry)
parures
gold (metal)
shell (animal material)
Set, Jewelry
160
Unknown
1 3/4 x 1 3/4 x 1/2 (HxWxD) (inches)
1942.319a-e
"Hidden Treasures from Elegant Eras," Historic Jewelry from the Collections of the Society for the Preservation of New England Antiquities presented by Shreve, Crump & Low, September 15 - November 30, 1995.
For information on cameos see Bennett, David and Daniela Mascetti, "Understanding Jewellery," (1989); Bury, Shirley, "Jewellery, 1789-1910," v. 1 (1991): 215-232; Fales, Martha Gandy, "Jewelry in America, 1600-1900," (1995): 227-236; Miller, Anna M. "Cameos Old & New," 3rd Edition (2005).
Title c - Hair brooch and earrings Accession Number 1942.318 a
Title e - Cameo jewelry set Accession Number 1942.319 a
Title Enamel brooch and earrings Accession Number 1942.320
Title Gold locket Accession Number 1942.321
Title c - Earrings and brooch Accession Number 1942.325 a
Title Ivory stanhope charm Accession Number 1942.326
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