Essex Jewelry and Antiques
c1930s Greek Muse of History Clio Kleio Antique Cameo 14k Yellow Gold Pin Brooch
Regular price
$725.00
Presented is an exceptional carved coral or shell cameo mounted in 14K gold. This is a very early cameo, much earlier than average. It was made in the first half of the 1800s, probably around the 1830s or 1840s.
The cameo is very well carved to depict the classical figure, the Greek Muse Clio. (from: Pierre Mignard / Public domain Clio is the muse of history. She carries a trumpet in her left hand and a book written by Thucydides in her right and is frequently associated with a globe. Her representation symbolizes history, embracing all places and times. )
The cameo is securely bezel set in a 14K gold frame. The frame is nicely engraved and ornamented with applied flowers at the center of each side.
The edges of the frame are engraved, “Susan J. Robinson, Concord NH”. The original pin back has the old C style clasp. The coral or shell was most likely carved in Italy or elsewhere in Europe. This is the sort of piece that may have been acquired when wealthy Americans took Grand Tours of Europe, which were common during the 1800s, especially between 1820 through the 1870s. The gold frame might have been made in Italy or perhaps was added in America. Around the early 1900s a hinged bale was added so that the pin can also be worn as a pendant.
The pendant is not marked. We have tested the frame with nitric acid and guarantee it to be 14K gold.
The cameo is in excellent overall condition. There is one fine line at the bottom of the piece that goes through to the front, and there are a few little stress lines on the back that do not go through to the front of the piece. These lines are all insignificant. As you can see in the overall photo, the lines are not very noticeable. The piece is securely bezel set and structurally sound. The pin which secures the hinge on the clasp has been replaced, but this is irrelevant. The hinge is still strong and secure, and the clasp is working well. There are no chips, no splits, and no breaks.
The cameo measures 2 inches by 2 1/4 inches.
The cameo is very well carved to depict the classical figure, the Greek Muse Clio. (from: Pierre Mignard / Public domain Clio is the muse of history. She carries a trumpet in her left hand and a book written by Thucydides in her right and is frequently associated with a globe. Her representation symbolizes history, embracing all places and times. )
The cameo is securely bezel set in a 14K gold frame. The frame is nicely engraved and ornamented with applied flowers at the center of each side.
The edges of the frame are engraved, “Susan J. Robinson, Concord NH”. The original pin back has the old C style clasp. The coral or shell was most likely carved in Italy or elsewhere in Europe. This is the sort of piece that may have been acquired when wealthy Americans took Grand Tours of Europe, which were common during the 1800s, especially between 1820 through the 1870s. The gold frame might have been made in Italy or perhaps was added in America. Around the early 1900s a hinged bale was added so that the pin can also be worn as a pendant.
The pendant is not marked. We have tested the frame with nitric acid and guarantee it to be 14K gold.
The cameo is in excellent overall condition. There is one fine line at the bottom of the piece that goes through to the front, and there are a few little stress lines on the back that do not go through to the front of the piece. These lines are all insignificant. As you can see in the overall photo, the lines are not very noticeable. The piece is securely bezel set and structurally sound. The pin which secures the hinge on the clasp has been replaced, but this is irrelevant. The hinge is still strong and secure, and the clasp is working well. There are no chips, no splits, and no breaks.
The cameo measures 2 inches by 2 1/4 inches.
The weight is 11.9 grams.