RARE RHODIUM, SILVER, & GOLD ANTIQUE CAMEO BROOCH

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Antique Cameo Brooch & Pendant - Genuine Carnelian Shell Gold & Sterling Silver Rhodium Braid Setting ~1.1" Tall x ~0.9" WideThis is a NO RESERVE & FREE SHIPPING Auction!!! For sale is a vintage 1940's Scognamigliohand-carved cameo (carnelian / cornelian shell) from Italy (Torre del Greco),in a gold-plated silver/rhodium braid style setting. S cognamiglio is the old Italian family of cameo carvers who have been in the business since the 1800's, currently with a boutique in New York's upper east side. Their NEW cameos sell for $200-$800 & up, and their ANTIQUE cameos, like this one, are RARE. This classical female face is a unique work of art, and carved by the old generation of Italian artisans. The brooch - with a pin for wearing and a top loop for hanging as a pendant - was NEVER WORN, and is surplus merchandise from galleries in the 1940's & 1950's. Thus, with the exception of natural aging for the past ca. 60 years(patina, light scratching in storage - like old coins in a vault), this item is in a uniquely fine condition. Please see photos for any specific details as to condition - THESE PHOTOS ARE OF THE EXACT CAMEO YOU ARE BIDDING ON. If you are just starting to collect from me, in my collection I have four main setting types: gold beaded, gold with silver band, gold spiral, and gold with silver/rhodium braid. This particular cameo is part of my "gold with silver/rhodium braid" setting style, of which this is the fine minature size (the smaller the cameo, the more difficult to carve details with precision, as is so masterfully done in this piece). ***THIS PARTICULAR CAMEO FEATURES A BEAUTIFUL ITALIAN NOBLEWOMAN IN FANCY DRESS ; long, refined aquline nose, gorgeously detailed & alluring eyes, wildly-tossed, thick curly hair (full of romance and youthful vibrance), a seductive SINGLE STRAND of curled locks falling gently down her nape, and an absolutely stunning double-row beaded tiara with incredible orange highlights that are natural colors of the raised Carnelian shell. Finish all this regal decoraiton off with a sensual French-drop style earring, dangling low against her jawbone, and you have one smart-looking Italian beauty in this cameo! Gorgeous & unique! As I wrote in the last few rhodium braid cameo auctions, the artisans who crafted these pieces seemed to know the shell colors and facial types to pair with the bright silvery glint of the rhodium, because this face - though COMPLETELY DIFFERENT FROM ANY SOLD BEFORE - is a keen match to these incredibly special settings. Please bid and enjoy - you will absolutey love this cameo! *** ***Also, a special note about my gold-plated cameos with the silver/rhodium braid setting. First, the original gallery backings from the 1930's & 1940's indicate the braid is solid sterling silver, however, the rhodium plate is SO THICK AND BRILLIANT AFTER 60-70 YEARS, I have suspicions this may be rhodium wire, though I have not assayed it. In any event, even plated, rhodium is now at ~$8,000/ounce (compare ~$900/ounce for gold & ~$20/ounce for silver) - it is the most expensive precious metal in the world. Tfore, when you buy one of these silver-rhodium braid cameos, you are getting a very special piece. I have never, EVER seen other cameos like this for sale on eBay or anyw else. Period. My collection of this setting is evidently a relict of history, and I have less than 25 in three different sizes (Large, Medium, & Miniature). When you buy these rhodium cameos, you are getting rare pieces. Second, be it known that the silver-rhodium wire is just that - a wire. It is elaborately coiled into a braid, and is subject to movement like a slinky. So, you may periodically have to slide it around with your fingers to keep it fully stretched-out. This is not damage, it is how ALL of these settings were made. I sold one before for over $100 on eBay to a customer who was very happy, but didn't understand the wire setting, so I am making it clear this time. My second rhodium cameo was sold two weeks ago on eBay... read more

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