Bidspirit auction | Antique 14k Gold and Hand

Antique 14k Gold and Hand Carved Shell Cameo Brooch - A hand-carved shell cameo brooch featuring a classical profile of a woman. The subject is depicted in right-facing profile with an elaborate hairstyle of curls. She is dressed in a low-cut gown and carries a vessel, likely a jug or ewer, over her shoulder, accented by floral motifs to the right. The cameo is carved from a natural shell, presenting a white relief figure over a warm, carnelian-colored background. The carving is set within a yellow gold frame featuring a dual-layered border composed of a twisted wire rope inner rim and a polished outer rim. The pin assembly on the reverse consists of a horizontal base-metal pin bar, a T-hinge, and a safety-catch closure. The 14k gold bar over pin was replaced and is not gold. There are no visible maker's marks or hallmarks on the metal frame or the shell. Height: 1 1/8 inches Width: 7/8 inches. This antique cameo is in good condition. The carved shell exhibits no visible cracks, chips, or stress lines when viewed from the front (photo 1) or back (photo 4). The metal frame shows surface scratches, minor tarnish, and wear consistent with its age. As noted, the horizontal pin bar is a base-metal replacement (photo 4).