Cameos are a peculiar medium; a shell or stone, upon which human narrative is inflicted, they rely on a rare cooperation of innovation and natural material. These beautiful English earrings, from the late Edwardian period, express a simple, powerful tale- a woman leaving a village, not once, but twice. The town is depicted in varying degrees of distress- she leaves, in one cameo, a stone tower, against an anxious sky, as a small hamlet recedes in the background. In the opposing earring, she seems to be walking toward a larger hamlet, from a door way that appears out of a castle-like stanchion. Victorian gothics and penny dreadful novels were running rampant in the literary collections of young women in the Edwardian era, and I can only imagine the stories ascribed to these beautiful, hand made earrings. Not to mention the bows in the frames! I love these, and know they are destined for an excellent home!

Materials and Features: 12ct gold, cameo shells

Age/Origin: English, 1910-1920

Measurements: 1.45", 3.7 grams

Condition: Excellent condition. Minor associated age wear.  

Please view and inspect any photos closely. We endeavor to fully disclose all condition information clearly and concisely, however, please note that what qualifies as excellent condition for historical jewelry differs from modern and contemporary pieces; please take the age of the piece into account when examining the piece. Minor age wear is typical and to be expected for antique and vintage jewelry. Unless otherwise stated, gemstones have not been officially graded for color, clarity, or treatment by GIA; any information provided is our own educated, professional assessment.