• Material: Sardonyx Shell, 15k yellow tested.
• Size: 3" by just over 2 1/2", cameo itself is 2 2/8" by 1 7/8".
• Date and Origin: Circa 1870 Italy. Original fitted case
• Conditions: Perfect.

Museum Quality Sardonyx large shell cameo, the oval shell cameo elaborately carved with four cherubs within a plain collet gold mount and outer tubular engraved with scrolls at the four cardinal points.  This is fantastic cameo with lot of details. Pictures really don't give any justice to this cameo because they were hard to take being the carving so white and reflecting the light. Seen in person this piece is really breathtaking. Look at all the details shown in this scene and at how they are incredibly detailed. Cherubs were a lovely and popular subject in the Victorian era but this is the first time that I see this particular scene on a cameo. The carving is relieved and three dimensional. There are four happy cherubs in movement, one is sitting on a rock playing a double flute, the other three are dancing holding hands. Their faces are happy as they are having fun dancing, thie bodies are chubby just like the ones of little children are. Their naked bodies are covered by veils. Look at how their little hands are carved, simply amazing. This cameo is pure poetry. The beauty of this cameo is clearly visible and the scene is more than lovely, an outstanding cameo carved by a true artist. Not to be missed.   A very desirable collectors piece.