Cameo Brooch Pendant Appraisal

Oval Cameo Brooch/Pendant with Filigree Setting

This is an oval-shaped cameo brooch or pendant, featuring a classical female profile carved in relief within a decorative gold-toned setting. The cameo itself appears to be made from a creamy white material, possibly shell or imitation material like resin or plastic, given the contextual information about 'Agate' suggesting a potential broader categorisation rather than specific material confirmation. The carving depicts a woman facing right, with her hair styled in an intricate updo, and a draped garment visible around her shoulders and bust. The relief is finely detailed, showing definition in the facial features, hair strands, and drapery. The surrounding bezel is an openwork, filigree-style design crafted from a polished gold-colored metal. This intricate metalwork is composed of interconnected scrolled heart-like motifs and smaller loops, creating a delicate, lace-like border around the central cameo. The metal shows a consistent shine and appears to be in good condition, without visible tarnishing or heavy wear. The cameo itself seems well-preserved, with no obvious chips, cracks, or significant abrasions. If it were agate, one would expect to see distinct layers or banding, which is not clearly visible in this image, suggesting a more uniform material. The overall design suggests a Victorian or Edwardian aesthetic, or a revival piece from the mid-20th century. The quality of both the carving and the metalwork appears to be good, indicative of careful craftsmanship.