Particularly challenging to find, French shell cameos set in 18ct are things of wonder. Especially from the middle of the 19th century, they posess a different type of archaeological revival aesthetic than English or American jewelry of the era... this French hallmarked example features a boulework decorated frame that terminates in four faceted disco-balls that create further polarity for our star, the Grecian muse, Terpsichore, to dance within. Often considered the most famous muse of the 9 (the others being Clio, Euterpe, Thalia, Melpomeni, Erato, Polymnia, Urania, and Calliope) Terpsichore was the muse of music and dance. While she is more commonly found with a lyre, she was famously painted by Boucher at the end of the 18th century with a tambourine (shown bellow) and later, Limoges did a famous rendering in enamel of her with the tambourine above her head, around the same time this cameo was carved. I absolutely adore this cameo and think it is such a delightful example of the work that France was known for in the 19th c. 

Weight- 7.7g

Measures: 1.5"

Materials- 18ct, shell

Condition: excellent, for her age! A superb all original example c. 1870.

Please view and inspect any photos closely. We endeavor to fully disclose all condition information clearly and concisely, however, please note that what qualifies as excellent condition for historical jewelry differs from modern and contemporary pieces; please take the age of the piece into account when examining the piece. Minor age wear is typical and to be expected for antique and vintage jewelry. Unless otherwise stated, gemstones have not been officially graded for color, clarity, or treatment by GIA; any information provided is our own educated, professional assessment.