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Yay or nay? (Cameo brooch)

Should I buy this cameo, or keep looking for something better?

  • Yes, it’s gorgeous!

    Votes: 5 100.0%

  • No, you can do better!

    Votes: 0 0.0%
  • Total voters
    5
Joanne10

Joanne10

Shiny_Rock
Joined
Oct 30, 2023
Messages
177
Hello, everyone! I found an interesting cameo online. As far as I’m aware, high quality cameos are very finely carved, and this is less so. The price reflects that, thankfully. Speaking of price, I have a beer budget (300-400 dollars) and am looking for bargains, so spending a lot more is not an option (although looking at the finest carved pieces will always be enjoyable!)

Nonetheless, there is something about this particular piece that is very striking: most likely the depth; it reminds me of marble statues. Just lovely! It’s approximately 35x30 mm, and I like the mount, too.

What do you all think? Should I buy it, or should I look for something else, more finely carved? Thank you in advance!

IMG_9175.jpeg
 

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Any cameo experts/lovers wanting to give an opinion? Anyone?
 
These front facing cameos are really interesting and less common.
But the quality isn't that great.
So you will have to wrestle with price versus quality! It's a tough decision!
Check out this extensive website for some great information

CameoTimes.com - Welcome

Introduction to first edition of CameoTimes, a site for cameo collectors and dealers, devoted to identifying cameo subjects. Mythological, allegorical, religious and historical subjects will be featured.
cameotimes.com cameotimes.com
 
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Joanne10 said:
So I should aim for something nearer to this?

IMG_9184.jpeg
Click to expand...

I think they both are Baccantes, because of the grapes in their hair.


Edit: I looked at the front facing one online for more views, and it is pretty nice, 18k! And the price is good, too.
 
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stracci2000 said:
That one is so much better, in my opinion.
I think they both are Baccantes, because of the grapes in their hair.

The difference here might be the materials. Is the front facing cameo made of hardstone?
Click to expand...

They are both made of shell (per vendor). First one is higher carat gold, second 9k. Price difference is 30 pounds, I think.

I love Bacchantes, and grapes, and grape vine. :kiss2: Inherited that love from my late grandfather.
 
stracci2000 said:
These front facing cameos are really interesting and less common.
But the quality isn't that great.
So you will have to wrestle with price versus quality! It's a tough decision!
Check out this extensive website for some great information

CameoTimes.com - Welcome

Introduction to first edition of CameoTimes, a site for cameo collectors and dealers, devoted to identifying cameo subjects. Mythological, allegorical, religious and historical subjects will be featured.
cameotimes.com cameotimes.com
Click to expand...

Yes, I saw you recommended this resource in another thread! I love it, thank you!
 
stracci2000 said:
I think they both are Baccantes, because of the grapes in their hair.


Edit: I looked at the front facing one online for more views, and it is pretty nice, 18k! And the price is good, too.
Click to expand...

Soooo, re: the front facing one - maybe I should pull the trigger? Or is the price too good to be true? I just love it. Irrationally, it just pulls at my heartstrings. At the same time, I don ‘t want to regret, sometime in the future, that I did not buy a nicer one.
 
Last edited:
Joanne10 said:
Soooo, re: the front facing one - maybe I should pull the trigger? Or is the price too good to be true? I just love it. Irrationally, it just pulls at my heartstrings. At the same time, I don ‘t want to regret, sometime in the future, that I did not buy a nicer one.
Click to expand...

If you love it, grab it now!
Avoid remorse later. We know all about that, don't we? ;)
 
I want to thank everyone who contributed to this thread by voting and commenting! I have been on the fence about the brooch for the past few days. I’ve let my head (and heart!) cool a bit, and I noticed that the setting doesn’t fit too well around the cameo, as if it’s been reset, maybe? Photo attached.

IMG_9315.jpeg

How much of an issue is this? Seller states that the cameo moves around a bit, but it is secure in its setting, and a tiny bit of araldite would keep it from moving around. Most cameos I’ve seen had the bezel neatly wrapped around, molded nicely to fit. Should/would this be a dealbreaker?

Thank you all in advance!
 
Last edited:
Joanne10 said:
I want to thank everyone who contributed to this thread by voting and commenting! I have been on the fence about the brooch for the past few days. I’ve let my head (and heart!) cool a bit, and I noticed that the setting doesn’t fit too well around the cameo, as if it’s been reset, maybe? Photo attached.

IMG_9315.jpeg

How much of an issue is this? Seller states that the cameo moves around a bit, but it is secure in its setting, and a tiny bit of araldite would keep it from moving around. Most cameos I’ve seen had the bezel neatly wrapped around, molded nicely to fit. Should/would this be a dealbreaker?

Thank you all in advance!
Click to expand...

It's possible that the shell warped or shrunk a tiny bit with age, which would loosen it in the frame.
Where it was stored could've caused this, like many years in a hot attic. Since shell is organic, I think that is possible.
She's an old girl with condition issues;)

I would not use any permanent glue.
(I have not heard of araldite, but I looked this up, and I see that it is epoxy.)
If the cameo wiggles in the frame, you just need something to fill in the gap to stop the movement. I would use something less permanent like Elmer's white craft glue.
Just a little bit applied in one section (not all the way around) with a toothpick in the back should solve the problem.
 
Joanne10 said:
Negotiated with the seller, is willing to drop price to £250 via etsy, if that makes any difference.

Edit: Thank you, @stracci2000 ! You’re a gem.
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That's great! It's lovely and I'm sure you will be pleased with it.
The 18k frame is also fabulous, btw.
 
Looking at the listing, I see the gap. Looks like an old repair on the back.
I would very sparingly apply a bit of glue to both sides, not into the bottom gap.
It might pass through the gap and show on the front, which you don't want.
I think she is 1870s-1900
 
I like it. I know nothing about this style but I feel drawn to this very rugged looking person. Is it poor artistry or a heavy featured model? I feel the latter and I like her a lot.
 
Just thought I would let you know that gildedlane has a cameo on her Instagram stories for $600 in case you wanted to look.
 
Thank you for your thoughts and suggestions, @Dreamer_D and @CMN! =)2
 
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I love the front facing cameo. The halo embellishments remind me of beaded gold from Turkey/Greece/Italy. It could be late 18th early 19th century, decorative cameos have been around a long time. But I’m not an expert. I think the cameo great and with an 18k frame, it’s a special touch.
 
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she does indeed look like a marble statude and she is quite striking
the frame is lovely too
did you buy her ?
 
Daisys and Diamonds said:
she does indeed look like a marble statude and she is quite striking
the frame is lovely too
did you buy her ?
Click to expand...

I love her so much because she looks like a marble statue! :kiss2: And no, I haven’t bought her yet. I desperately want to, though. We’ve had some unexpected expenses, and I’m still crunching numbers.
 
Joanne10 said:
I love her so much because she looks like a marble statue! :kiss2: And no, I haven’t bought her yet. I desperately want to, though. We’ve had some unexpected expenses, and I’m still crunching numbers.
Click to expand...

good luck !!
 
@Joanne10, are you still looking for one? I saw one in solid gold with a tiny mine cut diamond for less than $400. Email me at my user name including number 29 at the most used address.
 
@RRfromR , thank you for thinking of me! I’m not looking for anything for now, but I appreciate it lots. :love:
 
Joanne10 said:
Jaw drop. Wow. Also, I’m a Tolkien fan, so “do not tempt me, Frodo!” It’s lovely. :kiss2:
Click to expand...

I don’t think they go for a lot - it’s from Goodwill on EBay.
 
Thank you to everyone for throwing suggestions my way, and for all your advice and encouragement! In the end, while I considered the other options, nothing quite resonated with me quite so much as deeply carved cameos (within and without my budget), and especially the one I first put forward for your consideration. So, given the positive feedback on it… I’ve bought the first cameo.

I’ve taken a deep nosedive into researching cameos in the past few weeks. One of the articles said something interesting - the appeal of cameos is in being miniature and wearable pieces of art. This one looks just like a sculpture. (It reminds me of this, a bust of Alexander the Great. Husband says it looks like a plumper David by Michelangelo.)

IMG_9860.jpeg

It will probably take a while until I update this thread, or open another one with more pictures of the brooch. It’s currently on the way, and I hope it arrives safely.

Wishing everyone a lovely day,
Joanne
 
Joanne10 said:
Thank you to everyone for throwing suggestions my way, and for all your advice and encouragement! In the end, while I considered the other options, nothing quite resonated with me quite so much as deeply carved cameos (within and without my budget), and especially the one I first put forward for your consideration. So, given the positive feedback on it… I’ve bought the first cameo.

I’ve taken a deep nosedive into researching cameos in the past few weeks. One of the articles said something interesting - the appeal of cameos is in being miniature and wearable pieces of art. This one looks just like a sculpture. (It reminds me of this, a bust of Alexander the Great. Husband says it looks like a plumper David by Michelangelo.)

IMG_9860.jpeg

It will probably take a while until I update this thread, or open another one with more pictures of the brooch. It’s currently on the way, and I hope it arrives safely.

Wishing everyone a lovely day,
Joanne
Click to expand...

I had the same impression. Your cameo reminds of me of Roman busts - deeply carved, front facing is rarer to see - it seems like an older style and yours seems Italian. You could search on the hairstyle, jewelry the person is wearing and facial features- but I’m not an expert. I cannot wait to hear your impressions and see your photos when it arrives.

Here’s a mid 19th Century Bacchante front facing bust from Italy. It’s possible yours is older since it’s not as finely carved as the one I link to although just as interesting.

antiquecameos.net

Rarest Bacchante Front Face - Cased - Antique Cameos

Rarest Bacchante Front Face - Cased - Antique Cameos
antiquecameos.net antiquecameos.net
 
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