Hand-Carved Silver Shell Cameo Brooch & Pendant

Beautiful early 20th century hand-carved shell cameo, dating approximately circa 1900–1925 and likely Continental European. The cameo features a finely carved classical female profile with detailed curls, hair ornamentation, and draped clothing, rendered in creamy white against the shell’s warm peach-toned background.

The cameo is set in an ornate .800 silver frame accented with marcasites and decorative silverwork. The reverse is stamped “800,” indicating 800/1000 or 80% silver, a fineness commonly found in Continental European silver jewelry of this period.

Designed as a convertible piece, it retains both its pin fitting for wear as a brooch and a bail allowing it to be worn as a pendant. Hand-incised Roman numerals are also visible along the interior of the setting. These appear consistent with workshop or assembly marks used by craftsmen to identify individually fitted components during construction, adding an especially interesting detail to the piece.

The dimensional carving, early hardware, ornate silver setting, and hand-fitted construction give this cameo wonderful antique character.

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