Antique Vintage Art Deco Brass Etruscan Carved Conch Shell Cameo Ring Sz 5.75

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We have similar Etruscan and Art Deco items, which would pair nicely with this piece, for sale this week. To view in separate listings, please visit our store and search "Etruscan" or "Deco" under our Buy-It-Now items.Item Description by: Cait P.The PieceAge Circa : Art Deco C. 1920 - 1940Markings : Unmarked, tested, and guaranteedCountry of Origin : UnknownBrand : UnknownGram Weight : 5.1 gramsMetal Type : BrassMaterial : --Main Stone : Conch shellMain Stone Measurements/Color : Length: 12.7 mm Width: 9.35 mm Depth: 4.5 mm Color: semi-translucent orange and opaque white hues Accent Stone : PasteAccent Stone Measurements/Color : Diameter: 2.2 mm Color: sparkly and translucent Stone Treatment : The stone(s) appear to be untreated, but we are not certified gemologists. Stone(s) have been tested and guaranteed using a professional Presidium Duo refractive, heat, and hardness tester.Stone Cuts : Carved and polished conch shell cameo, old European cut pasteItem Measurements : Top of ring: 0.85" long, 0.70" wide When worn: The face of the ring raises 0.35" off the finger Ring Size : 5.75Sizable by your local jeweler : Yes.Notable Features : Handmade during the Art Deco era and inspired by ancient Etruscan jewelry, which was popular with Grand Tour travelersComposed of brass The face of the ring features a beautiful cameo carved out of a conch shell Surrounding the cameo is a border of old European cut paste stones Damage : Age appropriate wear. There is minor tarnish and oxidation on the brass, giving this piece an antique quality which we believe is quite lovely.*This listing is for the item only. All display boxes and/or photography props do not come with your purchase.*The HistoryThe Art Deco era is famous for being the "Gatsby" or "Roaring Twenties" era. A lot of gorgeous and timeless designs in jewelry came out of this period. Jewelry from this period was most often crafted between 1920 and 1940. Art Deco jewelry sometimes featured white gold or platinum, geometric designs, European cut diamonds, filigree, and calibre cut stones that are specifically cut to fit the design of the piece. During the Art Deco period jewelers often made jewelry upon custom order, this would often take weeks to months to completely craft by hand.Etruscan Revival jewelry was first popularized during the early 1800s when an Etruscan tomb was discovered just outside of Rome. Upon its discovery, jewelers worked to imitate and understand the metalworking techniques with which the jewelry was made. Not only was Etruscan jewelry a luxurious addition to the Victorian styles of the day. But it introduced new ideas and decorations. These Etruscan tombs contained jewelry adorned with long and flowing geometric lines and motifs, mythological imagery and scenery, and celestial elements. The techniques of repoussé, filigree, and granulation are all attributed to the Etruscans.A cameo is an image that has been carved in raised relief by cutting away the background of different materials to create a contrast in height and color. The earliest examples of cameos date back to the 3rd century BC. In antiquity, this was achieved by carving into a single piece of banded agate to reveal the layers of colors, but now it is much more common that cameos are made of two different materials. The most common form of fine jewelry cameo is created by layering a carved white shell on top of a stone of contrasting color with a flat plane. Cameos usually depict a beautiful or famous person in profile, or a mythological figure. The Romans were true artisans when it came to creating these pieces, so there are many Roman cultural influences found in cameos, even to this day. These are true miniature art works.French jeweler Georges Frédéric Strass created “paste” as an alternative to diamonds during the Georgian era. Leaded glass was cut and polished with a metallic powder until it shimmered brightly like a diamond in the light. These white “diamante” or “strass” stones were wildly po... read more

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