natural pearl and cameo

[pearl-man]

Bought this awhile back. Few pearls missing. Time and patience required to replace. Cameos are not
carved. Interesting piece though and looks good on open neck.

 

[BWeaves]

Cool necklace. The pearls look natural. If the cameos aren't carved, do you have a guess what they are? Wedgwood? Jasperware? Dare I say it? Plastic? They do look like carved agate to me, rather than shell.

 

[MSC]

I'm interested to hear how you sourced the replacement pearls. I have a piece that is missing one half pearl and I need to source a nice match.

 

[GemGeek]

It is very interesting. Good job fixing it.

 

[cyndayco]

I had to replace most of the pearls on this bracelet, and I sourced them on eBay. If your search doesn't turn up anything, I can dig up the vendors' (yes, more than one) names for you.

 

[Happy Huku]

Not too sure how to post a link between forums - this is what Kiwipaul says in his article about these hard stone cameos...

"Antique Pearl Jewelry that YOU Could Own - The Victorian Period
Black materials like agate, jet and onyx were often used in jewelry of this period, and contrasting white on black hardstone cameos were popular. The wealthy would have a custom cameo carved to depict a loved one, or for a little less one could buy an off-the-shelf cameo portrait of an admired celebrity or historical character.

Pearl borders provided an attractive decorative detail for black and white jewelry, seen here in this fine Mid-Victorian hardstone cameo pendant. The subject is Mary Queen of Scots, identified by her necklace of pearls. "

 

[pearl-man]

I guess the head is set on onyx. I don't think the heads are cast. In Idar Oberstein the apprentices did mass work like this.

 

[MSC]

I will certainly sniff around ebay, Cyndayco, thanks for the offer