Vintage Cameo Pendant Necklace Appraisal

Vintage Cameo Pendant Necklace

This item is a small, vintage-style cameo pendant necklace. The pendant features an oval-shaped cameo, likely carved from shell or a similar layered material, depicting the profile of a female figure. The background of the cameo is a warm, reddish-orange hue, while the carved portrait is a contrasting off-white or cream color. The carving appears relatively detailed for its size, showing a classic updo hairstyle and a gentle facial expression. The cameo is set within an ornate, possibly gold-plated or brass, bezel. This bezel has a scalloped edge adorned with small openwork circles, creating a delicate, decorative frame around the central cameo. The metal exhibits a warm, brassy-gold tone, suggesting it could be gold-filled, gold-plated, or a base metal like brass. There are no clear maker's marks visible in the provided image. The pendant hangs from a bail that is integrated into the top of the bezel and is attached to a fine, delicate chain. The chain is an oval-link type, consistent with vintage jewelry styles, and matches the warm gold tone of the pendant's setting. The overall condition appears good for a vintage piece, showing some signs of wear consistent with age, such as potential slight tarnishing on the metal, though no significant damage like chips or cracks on the cameo are discernible. The style is indicative of late 19th to mid-20th-century cameo jewelry, often characterized by its romantic and classical influences. The craftsmanship, while not high fine jewelry, appears solid for a costume or sentimental piece.