Description
This exceptional and beautifully hand carved shell cameo is of Michaelangelo’s David and is set in a hallmarked 15ct gold frame. It would date from between 1890 – 1910. The piece appears to have been partially signed at the back with the initials C. APA but I cannot attest to whether these initials are authentic or not.
The detail in the carving is amazing and the artist has captured the features, hair and even the neck muscles of the subject with incredible precision.
The pin has a secure safety clasp and the top of the cameo frame is fitted with a hinged bale so it can have a safety chain added (recommended) or can be worn on a gold chain as a pendant.
The 15ct hallmark is stamped at the back of the setting and I must point out that there is a slight kink on the right of the gold frame. This can easily happen with items of this age and is often due to the purity of the gold as it’s slightly softer than lower carat gold.
It measures 7.9cm x 4.8cm (just over 2 1/4” x 1 3/4”) so is large in size compared to most cameo brooches.
A one-off piece for lovers of Victorian/Edwardian period cameo pieces.
