Vintage Cameo Appraisal

Vintage Cameo Pendant

This item is an oval-shaped vintage cameo pendant, featuring a classical female profile carved in high relief on a contrasting background. The cameo itself is composed of two distinct layers: an opaque, creamy white material for the bust and hair of the figure, set against a rich, reddish-brown or terracotta-colored base. The female figure is depicted facing right, with her hair styled in an elaborate updo, and appears to be wearing drapery around her shoulders. The carving exhibits fine details in the hair and facial features, suggesting skilled craftsmanship. The cameo is set within a gold-toned metal frame that has a distinctive ornate, possibly milgrain or beadwork, border around the bezel, and then an outer crimped or corrugated edge, adding texture and visual interest. The metal shows signs of age, with some areas appearing more dull or dark, indicating patina and possibly some minor surface scratches consistent with wear over time. At the top of the pendant, there is an integrated, textured bail or loop, also in the same gold-toned metal, designed for a chain to pass through. The overall condition appears good for its age, though specific material identification (e.g., shell, stone, resin for the cameo; type of metal for the setting) cannot be definitively determined from the image alone. The style suggests it could date from the late 19th to mid-20th century, a common period for such cameo jewelry. There are no visible maker's marks or signatures in the provided images.