Antique Carnelian Intaglio Cameo and Silver Earrings. Intaglio carving is the oldest form of stone carving, preceding the more familiar, relief cameo carving. Intaglio, carving into the stone, was used in ancient times to carve seals, which were used to identify property. Carnelian was used extensively for carved seals because it was attractive, hard, and easy to separate from clay and wax. Carnelian is a type of quartz. Its hardness is 7 and it is very durable. In the Mediterranean and Middle East, carnelian is also believed to ward off the evil eye.
During the Victorian period, both men and women wore intaglio carvings and cameos were very popular. There were many pictorial themes, and themes honoring antiquity were favorites. These earrings present the motif from antiquity of Warrior/War and stand for Victor/Peace. The Roman gladiator is easy to understand as the warrior. The laurel-wreathed bust is more complex. Originally a Greek reward to athletic victors, poets and heroes, the laurel leaf symbolism was adopted by the Romans, and was eventually worn by only the most highly placed who stood for something.
The sterling carnelian intaglio cameo earrings measure 13/16” across. Signed "sterling" on screwbacks. Very good condition. Beautiful, wearable jewelry from yesterday, for today's woman. DH56-05
- $210
Chinese Cloisonne and Agate Beads Double Heart Necklace. Your pastel outfit will not be overpowered by Gianna's Gems light jade green aventurine beads. They are large beads though, and you will be noticed!
Aventurine is a type of quartz with good hardness and durability. Its pretty sparkling flecks are called aventurescence. Green aventurine is associated with the astrological signs Aries and Taurus. Aventurine is also considered to be lucky for gambler’s. It also has many complex meanings in the New Age world.
Two carved aventurine hearts are the central motif. The hearts measure 2.6” across and 1.6" high. The dark green Chinese cloisonné beads continue the summery theme and are softened by floral decoration. The aventurine beads measure 27” and the necklace measures 29" overall. Very good condition. LH32-05
- $85
Vintage Carved Bone Floral Bracelet. This vintage hand carved tile bracelet probably dates to the 1950s possibly earlier. Made of 5/8" wide by 1 1/8" tall bone tiles, which are strung together on elastic cord, each tile carved in a bold and intricate floral motif which adorn the leaves pattern. The color has aged to a mellow ivory. Very good vintage condition with no issues. LH125-06
Vintage Wooden Carved Swordfish Brooch. An early tourist item, probably of Florida origin, this leaping swordfish measures 2 3/8" long. The carved wood is a light brown. Perky yellow and black glass eye. The perfect gift for your fisherman! LH194-06 - $22
1960s Gold Filled Necklace with Carved Rose.
This 1960s necklace reminds one of the Krementz line of ivory rose jewelry that was very popular in the period, however this piece is by Dixelle, a Rhode Island company. The 12K G.F. fine curb link chain, marked Dixelle, measures 15" long. The rose pendant measures about 1" long, is highly carved, and a soft cream color. Excellent condition.
DH123-07 - $48
Antique Oriental Carved Bone Flower Basket Pendant. Giannas thinks this lovely antique would have been worn long or at the neck on a black ribbon.
Weaving baskets and flower-arranging are ancient crafts which traveled from China to Japan. Mainly worked in bamboo, baskets tended to be symmetrical in China and more freeform in Japan.
This antique 2 1/4" tall lotus flower basket pendant is carved from bone in the same style on both sides. This is very beautiful, painstaking work. Very good condition. DH180-07 - $55
Trompe Loeil Carved MOP Vintage Brooches. This set of vintage Victorian Revival brooches is carved from mother-of-pearl to depict buttons sewn on fabric. Each brooch is about 1" square. DH190-07 Brass c-clasp backings.
- $48
Vintage Shell Cameo and Rhinestones Earrings. These beautiful goldtone screwback earrings are from the 1930s Victorian Revival period and are good examples of the romantic sentimentality of the period. The earrings measure 7/8" tall. The shell cameo carvings are crisp and detailed featuring two different lovely young women who face inwards. The carving is particularly nice on these. The cameos are embraced with a fan of bright prong-set rhinestones which sets these earrings apart. Very good condition. DH291-07 - $75
Victorian Carved Jet Cross Mourning Brooch. This antique Victorian mourning pin is carved from one piece of jet, most likely Whitby jet. The brooch measures 1 7/16" tall with a dense satin black coloration. One fleabite on front edge, one on reverse edge. IMAGE2{Original c-clasp closure.
A rather somber piece, but a key example for a mourning jewelry collection. [DH304-08
- $93
Signed Wells Vermeil Sterling Shell Cameo Pierced Earrings. Giannas Gems particularly love the detailed settings for these pierced post earrings. The lacey work is completely dotted with Etruscan-style beading. The earrings are 3/4" tall. Detailed carved shell cameos of a pair of inward-facing lovely ladies are colored ivory and carnelian. Signed "Wells Ster." The ear nut backs are also signed Wells and are gold filled.
Wells, Inc., Attleboro, Massachusetts, active 1922 to 1978. DH335-08 - $89
