Victorian-Style Floral Shell Cameo Brooch

This is a horizontal bar-style brooch featuring a centrally mounted oval shell cameo. The cameo depicts a classical female profile, likely hand-carved from carnelian or sardonyx shell, showing characteristic white-to-peach color gradation. The central cameo is secured in a simple bezel setting and is flanked by elaborate yellow gold-tone metalwork. The decorative frame consists of asymmetrical floral sprays, featuring five-petaled forget-me-not style blossoms and textured leaves with visible veining. The metal shows a warm aged patina with some darkening in the recessed areas, which enhances the sculptural detail but may indicate a base metal with gold plating or wash rather than solid high-karat gold. The carving of the cameo appears relatively refined, with distinct details in the hair and facial features, suggesting mid-20th-century production in a 19th-century Victorian revival style. No maker's marks or fineness stamps are visible from the primary perspective, but the overall craftsmanship is of good commercial quality. The piece appears to be in good vintage condition with minor surface wear consistent with age and no visible chips to the shell carving.