14kt Gold Italian Kissing Lovers Cameo Pendant Appraisal
Category: Jewelry - Pendant
Description
This item is an oval-shaped cameo pendant featuring a 'Kissing Lovers' or 'Embrace' motif. The cameo itself appears to be carved from a shell or stone with distinct layers, showcasing a high-contrast white foreground against a darker, possibly grey or black, background. The carving depicts two profiles, likely a man and a woman, facing each other in an embrace, their lips appearing to meet. The details of the faces are somewhat abstract or obscured by the image resolution, but the overall form is clearly discernible. There appears to be a textured, possibly stippled, area in the darker background between the two figures. The cameo is set within a simple, polished gold bezel, which securely holds the carved piece. The gold setting has developed a slight patina consistent with age and handling. Attached to the top of the bezel is a substantial, flared gold bail, designed for a chain to pass through. The bail also exhibits a polished finish and good structural integrity. Visible markings on the item, as provided in the context, indicate '14kt 471NA Italy', suggesting the gold purity is 14 karat and the item was manufactured in Italy by a maker with the hallmark '471NA'. The craftsmanship appears solid, with no immediate signs of damage such as chips, cracks in the cameo, or significant dents/scratches on the gold. The overall condition suggests it is well-preserved, though typical minor wear for a piece of jewelry of its likely age can be expected. Given the 'Italy' marking and traditional 'Kissing Lovers' theme, this piece likely dates from the late 20th century to early 21st century, possibly drawing inspiration from earlier Romantic or Victorian-era cameos.
Appraisal Report
Upon my virtual examination of this 14kt Gold Italian Kissing Lovers Cameo Pendant, I can assess its condition and potential value. Visually, the cameo appears well-preserved with no discernible chips or cracks in the carved shell. The "Kissing Lovers" motif is classic and well-executed, showing good detail despite the image resolution limitations. The 14kt gold bezel and bail are consistent with the '14kt Italy' marking provided; the slight patina on the gold is typical for an item of its likely age. The '471NA' hallmark suggests a specific Italian maker. The craftsmanship appears solid and authentic for its stated origin. In terms of market conditions, romantic-themed cameos, especially those with good quality carvings and gold settings, maintain consistent demand. Comparables in the market for 14kt gold Italian cameos of similar size and theme typically range. Factors impacting value include the quality of the shell carving (its crispness and detail), the gold purity and weight, and the overall condition. The piece doesn't appear to be exceptionally rare, but the specific 'Kissing Lovers' theme is popular. It is crucial to note the limitations of this appraisal. Authenticity verification is limited by visual examination of images alone. A full in-person examination would be needed to confirm the absence of subtle damage, assess the exact quality and type of shell (e.g., sardonyx or conch), and verify the gold weight and hallmarks with 100% certainty. Provenance documentation (e.g., original purchase receipts) or scientific testing (e.g., gold assay) would further solidify the appraisal and authenticity.
Appraisal Value
$350-550