ThroughFineHands
Antique Medusa Shell Cameo Pendant Brooch c. 1840s Victorian
Antique Medusa Shell Cameo Pendant Brooch c. 1840s Victorian
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A beautiful antique cameo brooch or pendant with a hand carved shell portrait of a face in profile. The flowing hair and wing signifies the Gorgon head of Medusa.
An infamous creature of terror from ancient mythology, Medusa was cursed by the goddess Athena and transformed from a beautiful maiden into a Gorgon with snakes in her hair and eyes that could turn people to stone.
The wings to the top of this portrait could be in reference to Pegasus, the winged horse, who sprang from the blood of the slain Gorgon after she was beheaded by Perseus. There is a classical tradition of Medusa being depicted with wings, possibly as a synoptic narrative technique.
The head of Medusa is a common motif in ancient and antique jewellery tradition as a protective talisman to ward against evil.
With a beautiful antique engraved gold tone mount and set with a quality high-relief shell cameo, this is a wonderful piece of Neoclassical jewellery. It dates from the Victorian era, and is likely a souvenir from the Grand Tour.
There are no stamps. The brooch mount is rolled gold.
Generally, in really nice antique condition. There is some damage to the pendant drop. Please be sure to see all of the photographs.
This pretty brooch would make a fine addition to a collection of classical cameos.
Approximate dimensions:
Length - 4.3cm
Width - 1.7cm
Weight: 3.7 grams
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All boxes and stands in the photos are for display purposes only, unless otherwise stated.
Please be aware that there may be marks and wear commensurate with age. Please be sure to see all of the photos.
Feel free to contact me with any questions.
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from 1067 reviewsGreat all round service love the ring thank you very much
Fantastic. Nicer than pictured. Super fast shipping. Could not be happier. Thank you!
Beautiful silver cross pendant. Excellent condition. As described and exactly what I wanted. Prompt dispatch, quick delivery and well packaged. Delighted with my purchase and the service received, thank you.
Hi Sandy here in America.I purchased this brooch for my daughter who visited and fell in love with Scotland. I wanted to remind her of her trip with this piece.I absolutely love the brooch! It will be a perfect addition to any outfit!
Extremely happy with the piece! I love it even more than I did in the photos. Was packaged nice and secure. Will definitely purchsse from ThroughFineHands again!
Beautiful brooch. Just perfect for my project. Arrived nicely packaged and in good time. Great seller.
Lovely piece, swift delivery as expected
Fast postage and exactly as described thankyou
Great all round service thank you. Lovely ring fits true to size just what I was looking for!
This item is something that my sister bought for me because I always remember baby Victor the giraffe from the 70s and also my favourite beastie of the animal kingdom.
This charm arrived very fast and well presented for me to open.
That was a lovely surprise so thank you very much. Love & light from Louise North of Scotland xxxxx
Marvelous silver pendent,
Sorry, I translate from French : « stayed in his juice » Thats a good thing !
well packed and came with a nice box and fast shipping, I love it, thank you very much Aaron 👍 I am a very happy customer and will buy again jewelry by you in the future.
Incredibly helpful, wonderful service and I love my new ring. Would not hesitate to buy from Throughfinehands again in the future. Thank you for everything.
Lovely ring well packaged thank you
Brilliant thanks for the great service
A very good transaction. Quick and intact.