Art Deco Woman's Profile Shell Cameo Pendant/Brooch

This item is an oval-shaped cameo, likely carved from a conch shell, depicting the profile of a woman. The carving itself is rendered in a creamy off-white color, contrasted against a reddish-brown background of the shell. The woman's head is turned to the right, showcasing a classic Art Deco coiffure with short, wavy hair adorned with a floral or leafy ornament towards the back of her head. Her features are delicate, with a straight nose, full lips, and a defined chin. She appears to be draped in a flowing garment, indicated by sculpted folds around her neck and shoulder. The cameo is set within a simple, unadorned metal bezel, which appears to be silver or white gold, holding the shell securely in place with several prongs around the perimeter. There is a bail at the top, suggesting it can be worn as a pendant, and potentially a pin mechanism on the reverse (not visible in the image) for use as a brooch. The craftsmanship is fine, with intricate details in the hair and facial features, suggesting a skilled carver. The piece exhibits some signs of age and wear, including slight discoloration and minor surface imperfections on the carved areas, consistent with an antique or vintage item. The reddish-brown background shows some variation in color intensity. The overall style points to a period between the 1920s and 1940s, typical of the Art Deco era.