Vintage Unmounted Authentic Woman's Profile Cameo - Antique Hand Carved Lady Bust Conch Shell Cameo Genuine

This listing is for the photographed Antique Authentic Unmounted Cameo Shell with a Portrait a Woman. Measures approximately 1 inch tall and 0.75 inch wide. This cameo was hand carved out of a pink toned shell, likely during the late 19th or early 20th century. The cameo portrait is highly detailed, adding to its value! This cameo is still in excellent condition, with no cracks or scratches as pictured. The piece is unmounted, having no backing or frame to attach it to a piece of jewelry, but the piece can be easily mounted to the correct frame size. Rare authentic cameo depicting a beautifully detailed classic cameo portait!

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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Vintage Unmounted Authentic Woman's Profile Cameo - Antique Hand Carved Lady Bust Conch Shell Cameo Genuine