Rare 19th century mother of pearl hand carved cameo brooch. Although one may think it is Biedermeier, my evaluation is that it is slightly later neoclassical era, circa 1865-1885, more like the style and look of the Statue of Liberty! Instead of the more common 2 color shallow water conch shell cameo, deep sea nautilus mother of pearl is used and the cameo is created from the different layers of texture in the shell pearl. A very elegant and unusual addition to any cameo collection. The austere simplicity of the plain mount makes it look great worn with modern clothing and against black. Faintly marked: STERLING on the top back rim of the mounting. Measures 1 inch by 1.25 inches.

For the collector of fine cameos! A rare, large and lovely detailed portrait of Bacchus hand carved from conch shell. Encased in a handmade (acid tested) 14 Karat gold custom setting of leaves and flowers, with subtle, deep carving. All signs of a 19th Century piece, ca 1885-1900. The cameo itself is in perfect condition. However, the mounting bears signs that show it was formerly a brooch which was converted in the early 20th century into a pendant. See photos. Measures 1 7/8 inches high by 1.3/8 inch wide.

Very lovely and rare 19th Century pendant bearing an image of a heavenly angel adorned chalice in the clouds emitting a hemisphere engraved with the intitials: IHS. In high karat gold laminate. Signed initials in bottom right: FT or AT. Back of the medal is blank. Measures 3/4 inch diameter. Condition is mint. Original matte gold finish. Never worn, only saved. Please note this pendant is NOT being sold with a chain. However I do have available for additional purchase new solid 14K gold chains (the one in the photos) - 16 inch one for $90.00 or a 18inch one for $95.00. A wonderful heirloom gift . The gold content of of this medal and many other 19th Century French ones like it is unusual - to maintain the desired 20-22 karat yellow color, but still have a strong medal, they sandwiched 2 thick outside layers of the high karat gold with a stiffer non-gold metal (what kind I don’t know) in the middle. Similar to England’s Sheffield plate method of sandwiching a layer of copper between 2 outside layers of sterling silver. So, for the life of most people, the outer gold layers should not wear out, but because of the base metal middle layer, it does not pass the acid test for solid gold. Please see the other interesting religious items and crosses I have on my site. Since items are listed chronologically, to find a particular type of item, type it in the Search Box on the home page of my website.

Very lovely and rare 19th Century souvenir religious medal of the Black Madonna of the Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvièr in Lyon, France. Depicts an ornately robed Virgin with equally well robe Child. In 20-22 karat thick gold laminate. The rim of the medal over them bears the words: Snir DE N.D. DE FOURVIERE. Signed initials in bottom left: FR., something unreadable on the lower right, and on the loop is a makers stamp. Back of the medal is blank. Measures 3/4 inch diameter. Condition is mint. Original matte gold finish. Never worn, only saved. The gold content of of this medal and many other 19th Century French ones like it is unusual - to maintain the desired high karat yellow color, but still have a strong medal, they sandwiched 2 thick outside layers of high karat gold with a stiffer non-gold metal (what kind I don’t know) in the middle. Similar to England’s Sheffield plate method of sandwiching a layer of copper between 2 outside layers of sterling silver. So, for the life of most people, the outer gold layers should not wear out, but because of the base metal middle layer, it does not pass the acid test for solid gold. Please note this medal is NOT being sold with a chain. However I do have available for additional purchase new solid 14K gold chains (the one in the photos) - 16 inch one for $90.00 or a 18inch one for $95.00. The Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvièr in Lyon is dedicated to the Virgin Mary, who is said to have saved the city of Lyon from the plague in 1643. Black Madonna statues representing the Blessed Virgin Mary and Christ Child with black skin frequently date back to the middle ages and are typically associated with a history of miracles. Please see the other interesting religious items and crosses I have on my site. Since items are listed chronologically, to find a particular type of item, type it in the Search Box on the home page of my website.

Rare, intact 19th Century Scottish agate war scythe brooch. I've seen Scottish pebble jewelry in many shapes before, but never a war scythe. In impeccable condition - an accomplishment considering the thinness and delicacy of this design. Note the original 19th Century extended length pin bar and C-closure. Ca. 1865. Stamped on the back: RdNo 4642. All original stone inserts. 2.5 inches long by 1 inch wide.

Beautifully modeled mid-century heavy solid 14 karat gold Schnauzer charm Ca. 1940-60. They don't make charms like this any more. It's like a tiny sculpture. If you love Schnauzers, this is as good as it gets. Unmarked, but acid tested for gold content. One inch by 3/4 inch. Mint condition. For those of you who must know, the weight is that of 2 dimes and a penny combined. Easily and preferably worn as a pendant-- easier to admire. See photos for details. Feel free to email me questions regarding this item. Add $4.95 Domestic Priority Mail shipping. International Signed For shipping cost depends on country of destination.

Adorable, well carved mid-century solid 14 karat Beagle charm/pendant. Ca. 1940-60. Unmarked, but acid tested. 3/4 inch by 3/4 inch. Mint condition. For those of you who must know, the weight is about that of a quarter. Easily and preferably worn as a pendant because of the upright tail - don't want to catch it on anything. See photos for details. Feel free to email me questions regarding this item. Add $4.95 Domestic Priority Mail shipping. International Signed For shipping cost depends on country of destination.

Anyone from Texas out there for this cute mid-century solid 14 karat jack rabbit charm, Ca. 1950-60. Unmarked, but acid tested for gold content. Slightly under 1/2 inch by 1/2 inch. Mint condition. For those of you who must know, the weight is slightly over that of a penny. Easily and preferably worn as a pendant because of the long ears - don't want to catch them on anything. See photos for details. Feel free to email me questions regarding this item. Add $4.95 Domestic Priority Mail shipping. International Signed For shipping cost depends on country of destination.

Absolutely charming Victorian pink gold baby chicken charm, ca. 1885, England. Stamped 9K on one of the wings. Slightly under 3/4 inch by 3/4 inch. Easily and preferably worn as a pendant due to the fact that it is a hollow charm from the days when machines could still make something so tiny hollow. As it is, there is a slight indent on one side. See photos for details. Feel free to email me questions regarding this item.

Rare and wonderful early 20th Century three dimensional silver and paste flower brooch in the shape of a Tudor Rose. In three hinged movable pieces so that a brooch of this size will drape organically on the bosom over which it is pinned. All stones intact, although a few (less than 5) are discolored from age. For those who collect vintage paste - excellent condition. Stamped on the back: SCP ENGLAND and tests for silver even though not marked as such. Almost 3 inches long by almost 1.5 inches at its widest. See photos.

Rare and fabulous authentic vintage costume Hattie Carnegie Buddha brooch, ca.1950. In the style of the best jewelers of the Art Deco era, if this were real gold and jewels I would expect the designer to be Cartier and worth tens of thousands of dollars. But instead, it is gold tone metal, rhinestone and faux angelskin coral at a fraction of the price by Hattie Carnegie! One of her most distinctive and elegant designs. The "Hattie Carnegie" signature is on a small oval disc on the back . The pin measures 2" long by 1 1/2" wide and is in mint condition. There is no sign of wear at all on this pin. See photos. Elsewhere on the internet, this pin in a jade color is selling for over $900.--!

Rectangular laminated resin pendant bearing a sepia colored image of the Blessed Virgin holding the Christ Child, a rose and a lily on either side in the background. Caramel color backed resin pendant is 1.5 inch in long by 1 inch wide. Comes with a silvertone costume chain 15 inches long with a 4 inch chain extender, making a maximum possible necklace length of 19 inches. From my “Icons of Civilization Costume Jewelry Collection”. Witty and fun expression of adornment for the theology and religion student or the religious, aspiring, or admiring. Great gift! New. Multiples available (with a 10% discount) on a retail level only. To see my other religious jewelry pieces, type the word “resin” in the Search Box on my Home page. $5.20 for USPS domestic Priority Mail shipping & handling. Combine purchases and save on shipping.