Vintage Cameo Brooch/Pendant

This exquisite piece is a vintage cameo, likely functioning as a brooch or pendant, featuring a delicately carved female profile set within an ornate gold-tone frame. The cameo itself appears to be crafted from a lighter material, possibly shell or bone, exhibiting a creamy ivory hue against a rich reddish-brown background, likely natural carnelian or a similar layered stone. The carving depicts a woman facing right, with her hair styled in an updo that suggests a classical or Edwardian period influence. The details of her hair and facial features are finely rendered, indicating skilled craftsmanship. The frame is a prominent feature, constructed from a yellow metal, presumably gold or gold-filled, and showcases intricate filigree work with scroll motifs and possibly small starburst or floral accents at the corners and along the sides. The openwork design of the frame adds to its elegance and lightness. Visible condition issues include some minor wear on the gold-tone finish, particularly on raised areas, and a slight darkening or patina in the recessed parts of the filigree, consistent with age. There do not appear to be any significant chips or cracks on the cameo itself, but a faint line through the 'neck' area might be a natural striation in the material or a hairline fracture needing closer inspection. The overall style points to an early 20th-century aesthetic, possibly Art Nouveau or Edwardian, or a faithful later reproduction. The quality of the carving and the detailed frame suggest it was a well-regarded piece in its time.

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