This listing is for the photographed Authentic Antique Victorian Sterling Silver Cameo Pendant. This pendant has a hand carved cameo of a woman facing to the left set inside of a beautiful sterling silver frame. The back of this pendant shows that the cameo is curved, identifying that it was carved from a shell, signifying its age as modern reproductions are made of set resin. Signed "sterling" on the bottom of the back of the silver frame, no company hallmark. Beautiful and unique sterling silver piece!
In order to identify an authentic antique cameo from the Victorian era there are several key details that must be identified. Authentic carved cameos are made from natural materials, such as shells, agate, onyx, ivory, coral, mother-of-pearl, or other gemstones. Due to the durability of these materials compared to plastic or resin used in fake reproductions, authentic cameos should have no visible cracks. Authentic cameos are also less likely to shine under light, having a more matte finish due to its material. Cameo carvers from the Victorian era paid extremely close attention to the details of their work, so authentic cameos will likely always have many details, especially in the hair or dress. Cameos made in the Victorian era typically have a straight nose, mimicking popular beauty standards of the time. Cameos made prior to 1860 typically are carved with a more "Roman", stronger nose. Portrait cameos with a smaller, button nose are more likely reproductions made in the 21st century. On authentic, hand-carved cameos marks from the professional carvers can sometimes be seen under a magnifying class, as imperfections are a great sign of being carved by human hands instead of being molded from plastic or resin.
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Antique Authentic Sterling Silver Cameo Pendant - Curved Back Carved Cameo - Vintage Victorian Woman Cameo Sterling Silver 925 Pendant