Helmet Shell Carved Cameo, Antique Cameo Pendant, Woman's Profile, Cameo Habille, Dramatic Statement Necklace, Sterling Silver

If you're going to make a statement you can't do it half way; you have to own it! And this glorious carved lady does: large flowers in her hair and at her shoulder, what appears to be a relatively daring one-shoulder gown, a dramatic and bold hairstyle, and that glimmering earring as the perfect final touch. The shell carver did justice to her face as well, she's not gazing limpidly into the distance, she's looking directly out at someone (or something), with intention. Everything about her says energy! 

Carved from helmet shell, the contrast between the shell colors is dramatic while the carving details are intimately personal. Framed by an elegant and bold twisted border. 

Helmet shell is found worldwide, and its contrasting coloration makes it ideal for carving cameos. It's become the standard material in shell cameos because of its relative softness (and wide distribution) compared to stone. 

The pendant suspends from a handmade bail that will accommodate a variety of wearing options. 

Materials: sterling silver, shell. Hallmarks: Blue Piranha, .925

The pendant measures 2 and 1/4 inches or 5.7 cm, long (from top of bail to bottom of pendant), and 1 and 1/4 inches, or 3.2 cm, wide. Weight is 22.7 grams (please note that she has a good bit of heft!).

Each pendant is available without a chain, so you may use your own if you prefer. If you want to add a chain, I offer different lengths and styles. Every chain comes with a 2-inch extender, so you can vary the length. 

Please choose your chain from the options at checkout.

Your purchase will arrive gift boxed, presented in a soft pouch with a story card.

Questions? Please message me. I'm happy to help.

About cameos:

Cameos have been carved for thousands of years, falling in and out of fashion since ancient Greece, while the Victorian era gave them their biggest cultural high point.

Cameos are carved from shell but they can also be created from glass, hardstone (such as sardonyx), lava, vulcanite, and coral, as well as other materials. Hand-carving continues today, most famously in Italy, where the tradition is still very much alive. The cameos I work with came from an antique market, found loose and in varying condition. Some were chipped and some were quietly extraordinary. Those are the ones I kept.

Helmet shell is found worldwide, and its contrasting coloration makes it ideal for carving cameos. It's become the standard material in shell cameos because of its relative softness (and wide distribution) compared to stone.