Italian Cameo Appraisal

14kt Gold Italian Kissing Lovers Cameo Pendant

This item is an oval-shaped cameo pendant featuring a 'Kissing Lovers' or 'Embrace' motif. The cameo itself appears to be carved from a shell or stone with distinct layers, showcasing a high-contrast white foreground against a darker, possibly grey or black, background. The carving depicts two profiles, likely a man and a woman, facing each other in an embrace, their lips appearing to meet. The details of the faces are somewhat abstract or obscured by the image resolution, but the overall form is clearly discernible. There appears to be a textured, possibly stippled, area in the darker background between the two figures. The cameo is set within a simple, polished gold bezel, which securely holds the carved piece. The gold setting has developed a slight patina consistent with age and handling. Attached to the top of the bezel is a substantial, flared gold bail, designed for a chain to pass through. The bail also exhibits a polished finish and good structural integrity. Visible markings on the item, as provided in the context, indicate '14kt 471NA Italy', suggesting the gold purity is 14 karat and the item was manufactured in Italy by a maker with the hallmark '471NA'. The craftsmanship appears solid, with no immediate signs of damage such as chips, cracks in the cameo, or significant dents/scratches on the gold. The overall condition suggests it is well-preserved, though typical minor wear for a piece of jewelry of its likely age can be expected. Given the 'Italy' marking and traditional 'Kissing Lovers' theme, this piece likely dates from the late 20th century to early 21st century, possibly drawing inspiration from earlier Romantic or Victorian-era cameos.