GEORGIAN 18K YELLOW GOLD CANNETILLE CARVED SHELL CAMEO BIRTH OF CUPID RIVIÈRE c.1800

Georgian 18k Yellow Gold Cannetille Carved Shell Cameo and Persian Turquoise Birth of Cupid Rivière c.1800

With wars raging across Europe throughout the early years of the 19th century, austerity was the order of the day. Jewelry was comprised of thinly pressed precious metals, and gemstones were either substantially smaller or replaced entirely by something of sentimental value (such as lockets that held a strand of hair) or meticulously crafted cameos.

This magnificent necklace from the first 20 years of the 1800s is a masterful example of the innovation born out of the necessities of the time. Each plate is comprised of tiny 18-karat yellow wires meticulously wrapped into an intricately ornate design through a method known as Cannetille, with tiny drops of Persian turquoise adding an accent of color. The center of each plate tells the story of the birth of Cupid through a series of immaculate cameos carved from a single shell. The clasp plate appropriately features a cameo of a pair of hands clasped in friendship, reminiscent of a fede gimmel ring.

A shining symbol of love from one of Europe’s most trying periods, this necklace is a gorgeous piece of wearable history.