This vintage cameo pendant is such a stunning piece of jewellery. The craftsmanship is incredible, with a level of detail not often found in pieces made today.
 
The carved shell cameo depicts Hebe, the Greek goddess of youth. Her name means youth and she is the daughter of Zeus and Hera and the wife of Hercules. She serves as the cupbearer for the gods and goddesses of Mount Olympus and has the gift of restoring youth to mortals. Hebe is often depicted with her father represented as an eagle, offering him a cup. Eagles were connected with immortality and there was a belief that the eagle, like the phoenix, had the ability to renew itself.
 
The cameo is set in a rolled gold setting, this has a base metal core and a fine layer of gold adhered to the top to give the look of solid gold but without the price tag.
 
The pendant weighs approx 14.4g and measures approx 51.6mm tall (not including the bail at the top) by approx 39.7mm wide by approx 8.8mm deep.
 
Condition - The pendant is in good vintage condition but does show signs of age and wear. There is surface wear and some dark marks to both the rolled gold setting and cameo. The cameo also shows some signs of aging and rubbing along with black marks in places. The bail has some wear to it with the base metal showing through in places. Please see photos.
 
*Please note the antique box and chain pictured are not included in the sale but the brooch/pendant will be shipped in a new presentation box and pouch*
 
 
 
 
 
 
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