DATE: Victorian, c.1860

A beautifully worked antique shell cameo dating from the mid Victorian era, circa 1860. The subject is young Samuel, based on a figurine by the porcelain maker Minton - "The Infant Samuel at Prayer" - that shows Samuel at the beginning of an illustrious career that will include selecting the kings of Israel. It was made in Naples, and the background appears to place Samuel on the shore with Vesuvius in the distance. The cameo is mounted in a 9k gold brooch mount with simple yet elegant chased floral motifs around the border.

STONES 

Shell

MEASUREMENTS 

5.8 x 4.8cm

WEIGHT

20.2g

MARKS 

No marks present, tests as 15k gold

CONDITION 

Very good, light wear commensurate with age