Classical Female Profile Cameo Pendant
Decorative Art / Costume Jewelry (Pendant/Locket) • Mass-produced commercial manufacture; characteristic of companies like Sarah Coventry or Avon
Style & Movement
Mid-Century Revival / Neoclassical Revival
Medium & Technique
Molded plastic or resin imitation cameo set in a gold-toned base metal frame with textured cross-hatching
Creation Period
Late 20th Century (circa 1960s-1980s)
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 1.5 x 1.25 inches; Oval portrait format
Subject Description
A left-facing profile of a young woman with stylized wavy hair and a draped neckline. The subject is a generic imitation of Victorian-era shell cameos used in costume jewelry.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Fair to Good; The cameo insert shows surface dirt and minor scuffing. The metal setting shows significant wear to the gold plating exposing darker base metal.
Estimated Market Value
$5 - $15 USD
Auction Estimate
$3 - $10 USD
Provenance History
Likely acquired via secondary market, thrift, or family inheritance; typical of mid-market American or European costume jewelry.
Art Historical Significance
Low; This is a mass-produced decorative item rather than a hand-carved gemstone or shell cameo. It represents the democratization of the cameo aesthetic for the 20th-century consumer market.
Notable Features
The frame features a distinctive sunburst or floral petal design with mechanical cross-hatched engraving for texture.
Condition Issues
Plating loss on the scalloped edges of the metal frame; visible grime in the crevices of the molded resin; minor surface abrasions on the figure's neck.
Conservation Recommendations
Gentle cleaning with a soft, dry cloth; avoid chemical cleaners which may strip remaining plating or damage the plastic insert.