Antique Vintage Art Nouveau 18k Gold Etruscan Carved Chalcedony Cameo Pendant

Description

We have similar Etruscan and Art Nouveau items, which would pair nicely with this piece, up for auction this week. To view in separate listings, please visit our store and search "Etruscan" or "Nouveau" under our auction items.
Listing Description by: Angela A.
The Piece
Auction Estimate:
,000 - ,000
Age Circa:
Art Nouveau C. 1890 - 1910
Markings:
Unmarked, tested, and guaranteed
Country of Origin:
Unknown
Brand:
Unknown
Gram Weight:
2.6 grams
Metal Type:
18k yellow gold
Item Weight Value:
5.00 (value all-inclusive weight)
Material:
--
Main Stone:
Chalcedony
Main Stone Measurements/Color:
Carat weight
: 5.20 carats
Length:
13.44 mm
Width
: 9.39 mm
Depth
: 5.76 mm
Color:
semi-translucent deep peach hue and white hue
Accent Stone:
--
Accent Stone Measurements/Color:
--
Stone Treatment:
The stone(s) appear to be untreated, but we are not certified gemologists. Stone(s) have been tested and guaranteed using a professional Presidium Duo refractive, heat, and hardness tester.
Stone Cuts:
Carved high relief chalcedony cameo
Item Measurements:
Length, including the bale:
0.98"
Width:
0.54"
Depth
: 0.25"
Bale opening:
4.7 mm length, 3.1 mm width
Closure/Clasp Type:
Standard bale
Link Type:
--
Pendant Type:
Drop/charm pendant
Notable Features:
This pendant was handmade  Composed of 18k yellow gold, the pendant features a beautiful chalcedony stone carved into the likeness of a Greco-Roman goddess. Cameo pieces like this were very fashionable during the Art Nouveau era, particularly with the popularity of Etruscan Revival jewelry. Part of the larger Archaeological Revival, the Etruscan Revival began following the discovery of ancient Etruscan sites outside of Rome in the 1830s. The discoveries made at these sites, which included intricate high purity designs and beautifully carved stones, would go on to influence jewelry designs for centuries to follow.
Etruscan-inspired pieces, particularly those with cameo carvings, were very popular amongst Grand Tour travelers visiting the Mediterranean. A rite of passage for the wealthy during the Art Nouveau era, a Grand Tour was an opportunity for a young aristocrat to travel to other countries to learn more about their histories, cultures, and art. To remember their experiences, travelers would often purchase jewelry that reflected the history and artistic styles of the cultures and countries they visited. Cameo pieces were often bought separately while traveling and then brought back home to be fitted into jewelry.
The cameo in this brooch was hand-carved from a lovely chalcedony stone. This cameo depicts the image of a goddess in profile, gazing to the right. The woman's wears what appears to be a diadem, and her hair is arranged in an elaborate updo. The chalcedony stone itself is beautifully semi-translucent, allowing light to filter through its body and illuminate its hue with a warm glow; please reference the fifth photo provided as part of this listing for a staged example of the stone's semi-translucency. The chalcedony rests securely in a yellow gold bezel setting, the vibrant hue of the gold a lovely contrast to the white and deep peach hues of the chalcedony. Geometric triangular designs adorn the setting, making the piece impossible to miss.
Completing the pendant is a standard bale so the piece can be paired with a variety of chains and necklaces, or worn on a bracelet as a charm due to its smaller size. A classic example of the jewelry styles popular during the Art Nouveau era, this pendant would make a valuable addition to any antique jewelry collection. Don't miss your chance to preserve this piece of cultural history.
Damage:
Age appropriate wear.
*This listing is for the item only. All display boxes and/or photography props do not come with your purchase.*
The History
The Art Nouveau era, 1890-1910, was also called "La Belle Epoque" in French, which translates to "A Beautiful Time.”  This was very true due to the gorgeous designs that came out of this period.  This era focused on women, and the beauty of nature and the pieces were often large. Enamel was a standard material used in Art Nouveau jewelry as the period was more about the importance of the design over the materials used to create it. The Art Nouveau period happened before the start of the first World War, when mass manufacturing took over the production of many products, including some jewelry.
Etruscan Revival jewelry was first popularized during the early 1800s when an Etruscan tomb was discovered just outside of Rome. Upon its discovery, jewelers worked to imitate and understand the metalworking techniques with which the jewelry was made. Not only was Etruscan jewelry a luxurious addition to the Victorian styles of the day. But it introduced new ideas and decorations. These Etruscan tombs contained jewelry adorned with long and flowing geometric lines and motifs, mythological imagery and scenery, and celestial elements. The techniques of repoussé, filigree, and granulation are all attributed to the Etruscans.
The Grand Tour was a popular vacation during the Georgian and Victorian eras. This vacation was generally between two and four years long, and it allowed wealthy people the opportunity to study different cultures, architecture, and art. During this vacation, travelers would pick up pieces of jewelry, which allowed the introduction of techniques and styles such as cameos, mosaics, and pietra dura to be introduced into popular jewelry styles.
A cameo is an image that has been carved in raised relief by cutting away the background of different materials to create a contrast in height and color. The earliest examples of cameos date back to the 3rd century BC. In antiquity, this was achieved by carving into a single piece of banded agate to reveal the layers of colors, but now it is much more common that cameos are made of two different materials. The most common form of fine jewelry cameo is created by layering a carved white shell on top of a stone of contrasting color with a flat plane. Cameos usually depict a beautiful or famous person in profile, or a mythological figure. The Romans were true artisans when it came to creating these pieces, so there are many Roman cultural influences found in cameos, even to this day. These are true miniature art works.
Chalcedony is a compact and microcrystalline form of quartz. It occurs in many different forms, colors, and patterns, and many varieties have been used as gemstones since antiquity. Several semi-precious gemstones are types of chalcedony such as agate, aventurine, carnelian, and onyx. Chalcedony is coveted for being a healing stone with mineral properties that promote unity and good will.
Domestic US
: All items ship within one business day of receiving payment. Buyers will have 3 base shipping options to choose from, depending on the needed speed of delivery. Pricing on single and multi-purchase transactions can be seen below:
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