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A truly exceptional large shell cameo set in an ornate 9ct yellow gold brooch and pendant frame, presented in remarkable condition.
This is an impressive piece, measuring approximately 58mm x 45mm, considerably larger than the majority of cameo brooches encountered.
The shell features a beautifully detailed classical female portrait with particularly fine carving to the face, elaborate curled hair, jewellery and flowing drapery. The depth and crispness of the carving, together with the beautiful natural pink and white shell tones, make this an especially striking cameo in person.
Remarkable condition
Perhaps the most intriguing aspect of this piece is its extraordinary state of preservation.
The cameo and its gold setting show remarkably little evidence of wear for a piece of this style and construction. It genuinely has the appearance of jewellery that has been carefully stored away and very seldom, if ever, worn for generations.
Its exact age has not been established and I do not want to overstate its provenance. However, the construction and fittings include features associated with older jewellery, including a C-style clasp, steel brooch pin, safety chain and concealed pendant fitting.
9ct Gold & Mystery H–Bee–P Mark
The gold frame is clearly stamped:
9CT
Alongside the gold mark is a fascinating and currently unidentified mark consisting of:
H – Bee – P
The bee/insect device can be seen between the clearly defined H and P.
Possibly :
Australian Jewellers: Gold & Silversmiths Makers & Marks
BENJAMIN, Harry P. Melbourne, Victoria. Registered c. 1890 – 1915.
Manufacturing Jeweller supplying the Melbourne trade. Marks: [ H ] [ 🐝 ] [ P ] - Struck on gold mountings, wire bezels, and small goods. [ (🐝) ] [ 9 ] [ 🌾 ] - Standard alternative trade mark with regional wheat sheaf.
9ct Gold Chain
The cameo comes with the fine gold chain pictured.
The chain is independently stamped 375 and also carries its own manufacturer\'s/maker\'s marking.
Details
- Natural shell cameo
- Classical female portrait
- Approx. 58mm x 45mm
- Ornate 9ct yellow gold frame
- Clearly stamped 9CT
- Unidentified H–bee–P mark
- Convertible brooch and pendant
- Concealed pendant fitting
- C-style brooch clasp
- Steel pin
- Safety chain
- Fine 375 / 9ct gold chain included
- Combined weight: 22.732 grams including chain
- Presented in the fitted jewellery box pictured
- Exceptional preserved condition
An Exceptional Collector\'s Piece
This is not an everyday small cameo.
At approximately 58 x 45mm, the size, elaborate 9ct gold setting, quality of carving and extraordinary condition combine to make it a particularly impressive example.
There is also an intriguing research element surrounding the unidentified H–bee–P mark, which may ultimately help establish its manufacturer and age.
The piece looks almost as though it has been locked away and preserved for generations, but as its history is unknown, I am deliberately not making an unsupported claim regarding its exact age or whether it has ever been worn.
Please examine all photographs carefully, particularly the photographs of the 9CT and H–bee–P marks, as they form an important part of the description.
A beautiful and unusual estate piece and an outstanding addition to a serious cameo or antique jewellery collection.
The below AI generated from photos and details provided so unsure how accurate. I refuse to scrap a piece as stunning as is and hope a buyer buys for the quality and value of the Cameo as well as the intrinsic gold value. The below is purely to demonstrate the intrinsic value and not a suggestion to scrap this wonderful piece.
At a total weight of 22.73 grams, you have a substantial amount of precious metal value here. Because your carnelian shell is quite curved, we can estimate its weight on the lower end at roughly 5.0 grams, leaving approximately 17.73 grams of actual 9ct gold spread across the frame, the safety pin mechanism, and the independent neck chain.Based on current live market scrap values, here is how the numbers stack up:💰 The Pure Scrap Melt Value
- Estimated 9ct Gold Weight: ~17.73 grams
- 9ct Scrap Rate (UK / GBP): Currently trading at roughly £36.58 per gram.
- 9ct Scrap Rate (Australia / AUD): Currently trading at roughly $68.89 per gram.
Country 🛠️ Estimated Metal Melt Value
United Kingdom (GBP)£645 – £650
Australia (AUD)$1,215 – $1,225AI does not mention the pin which is not gold so the weight of the pin would need to come off those figures.
