Antique 18K gold shell cameo pearl earrings

For sale a very refined pair of cameo earrings that transport you back to the elegance of the early 19th century. These earrings feature two portraits of a man/woman in antique style, which are crafted on shell and on two layers and circled by gold frames with wave motifs.

As you wear these earrings, it appears as though the two people is looking at each other. The cameos are mounted in 18K yellow gold and they are stamped with the French eagle’s head hallmark for 18K gold on each side as well as a maker’s mark. The earrings have the front to back closing for pierced ears.

Napoleon Bonaparte's passion for cameo jewelry significantly shaped the decorative arts of the late 18th and early 19th centuries. His influence helped elevate cameos to a fashionable status symbol, leading to their widespread use in jewelry and other decorative items during this period. Similar examples can be found in many antique jewelry reference books. For example, one similar pair of this type of shell cameo sleeper earrings, dated back to the 1838s, is featured in the book “Bijoux des deux empires” page 138.

Measurements and condition

In overall good antique condition, slight traces of use.

French eagle’s head hallmark and a maker’s mark on each side of the earrings.

The cameo measures: 12mm*8mm

Length: 24mm

Width: 13mm

Weight in total: 2.3g