Vintage Carved Shell Cameo Pin/Brooch

This is an oval-shaped vintage cameo pin, meticulously hand-carved from a natural conch or helmet shell, featuring a classic right-facing profile of a woman. The carving exhibits high relief (alto-relievo) where the white translucent layers of the shell are used for the subject against a darker peachy-brown background layer. The subject is depicted with an elaborate neo-classical hairstyle, adorned with a floral or tiara-like headpiece and a draped neckline featuring a shoulder corsage. The cameo is securely held in an ornate 14k or 18k yellow gold scalloped bezel frame with a twisted rope-style texture along the outer edge. The craftsmanship of the carving is fine, showing delicate details in the hair curls and the facial features. Condition appears excellent with no visible stress lines (craquelure) or chips to the shell. The gold setting shows a bright, polished luster with no significant wear. This piece likely dates from the mid-20th century, approximately 1940s-1960s, reflecting a revival of Victorian and Edwardian aesthetic styles. The item is presented in a vintage velvet-lined jewelry box, suggesting it has been well-maintained over several decades.