Posted 7 years ago
Tanni
(47 items)
This was my great great grandmother's Cameo ring. It has a 10k gold band. I'm unsure weather it is 1900 style or 1860 style. Any help would be appreciated.
Cameo Ring | ||
| Fine Jewelry2310 of 8551 |  |  |
Cameo Ring | ||
| Fine Jewelry2310 of 8551 | | |
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Posted 7 years ago
Tanni
(47 items)
This was my great great grandmother's Cameo ring. It has a 10k gold band. I'm unsure weather it is 1900 style or 1860 style. Any help would be appreciated.
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It would help knowing when your great-grandmother was alive. Styles aren't always an indication of age.
She was born on December, 10, 1889 and passed away in February of 1919.
You are correct that it is 'genuine', if by that you mean it is hand cut in natural material & not molded in an artificial material. She was carved in helmet shell, probably it Italy, then set elsewhere.
The figure is loosely based on classical images of the goddess Hera/Juno. Her hair arrangement, the way her chignon is twisted, is unusual & also a departure from tradition. These variations from the classical tradition indicate the ring is more contemporary. (In the world of engraved gems, anything-post medieval is considered 'modern'; I'm sure your ring is old enough to qualify as 'antique' in the way most of us use that word.)
I do not believe the ring is old enough to be something your grandmother herself inherited. Since she died so young, if it is sized for an adult finger, perhaps a birthday or engagement/wedding gift? It is a nice connection, even though you never knew her. :)
Thank you so much cameosleuth.
I was indeed wondering if it was old enough that she had possibly inherited it herself. As well as, if it was hand cut in natural material and not molded.
I absolutely love that I have a piece that connects us to her. I'ts nice to have a bit more information, that I can pass along with the ring to my daughters.
I love that you will be passing it along. So many of the cameos in my collection came on the market because they were inherited by people who did not have anyone to leave them to. It always makes me a bit sad; I always assure the seller that their heirloom has come to an appreciative home.
In case you were wondering, the probable Italian origin of the cameo itself is by no means an indication that your great-grandmother or anyone near to her ever traveled to Italy. The early 20th century catalogs of jewelry wholesalers had pages of cameo pieces, a 'must-have', back in the day.
Unfortunately I will never know for sure how she obtained it. From what I do know it doesn't appear that, that side of our family resided anywhere besides Ohio. My great great grandfather and his family were from Prussia. So who knows. I'm just happy to have this small token of hers.
Unless the family were people of considerable means, it seems to me more likely the brooch was purchased domestically rather than brought home as a souvenir from a European trip. But do also think it is highly probable it was a gift to your great-grandmother from someone who loved her, which, to my mind, gives it an extra glow. :)