Victorian Era Broach? Please help ID!

[smitty010203]

Found this at an old home site, Homes have been bulldozed for quite sometime. Unfortunately I broke the pin while carefully washing it. It was barely hanging on. It seems like the main part is made of a clay like material? The town date back the 1800s and I dont know for sure but I think the old houses that were there were possible built in the 1920s..maybe.. A house on the same street on the otherside of the old town dates back to the 1850's

 

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[smitty010203]

anyone?

 

[Silver Searcher]

What do you need to know, it's a cameo brooch, the surround is probably Pinchbeck which was invented in the 18th century, and was a popular metal used in these types of brooches, because it looked like Gold when cleaned.

SS

 

[smitty010203]

I was just hoping someone could tell me more about it thats all

 

[Breezie]

Judging by the one front photo, your Cameo is either crudely hand carved or was carved properly then scrubbed down on purpose or by some environmental cause. Cameos were very popular during the Victorian era, and yours appears to be Victorian. Cameos were/are carved from various single materials like shell, coral, agate, onyx etc. It would be a good idea to have the metal tested to see if it is gold. If it is framed in 'white' gold, it is newer than 1919. Older cameos were generally set in gold, gold-filed, silver, silver vermeil, and brass.

If you take it to a certified gemologist, they will be able to tell you the stone and the metal content. I look forward to finding out what the professional says.

WELCOME to the forum!

Neat find
Breezie

 

[smitty010203]

Thanks Breezie! I think I may do just that... Personally I think the cameo was worn down overtime while being in the soil but I could be wrong. I will let you know what I find out if i get to take it anytime soon.