A museum-worthy cameo, straight from the Grand Tour era!

This 19th century brooch of the Greek Goddess Athena is a truly exceptional example, featuring beautiful construction and intricate detailing. Crafted circa 1870, this cameo is of Italian origin but was perhaps set in the UK in a 9 carat gold.

The star of the show is of course, the shell cameo, which depicts the profile portrait of Athena, Goddess of wisdom and warfare. This portrait is stunning, and features many delightful hidden motifs related to Athena and her mythology in the Greek pantheon.

To start with, Athena is bestowed with a Corinthian helmet, where the image of Cetus (the Greek sea monster) is visible on the side. In one of the Greek myths, Athena assisted Perseus in his hero’s quest to slay the Gorgons (and Medusa in particular). Along the way, Perseus came across the sea leviathan Cetus, which he slayed to save the Ethiopian princess Andromeda.

Underneath Athena’s helmet are two intertwined braids; this is interesting because – while Athena is known as the goddess of war and wisdom – she is also the Goddess of crafts, specifically spinning and weaving. The braids feel like a callback to this epithet of the Goddess, which is a curious and fun detail!

This cameo is rendered with such care and artistry, it feels like Athena will blink to life and leap off the brooch. She will certainly make a masterful addition to any antique jewelry collection. Perfect for the art historian and antique connoisseur alike!

Materials and Features: 9ct, shell cameo

Age/Origin: 1870, Italian grand tour cameo, perhaps set in The UK in a 9ct gold

Marks: None

Measurements: 10.57g, 2.1” top to bottom!

Condition: Excellent historical condition!

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.