Rare Superior Hand Carved Shell Cameo of Dionysus

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£1,950.00
Sale Price
£1,950.00
Regular Price
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Dating to the mid Victorian era, a splendid quality hand carved shell cameo of Dionysus, set in a fine carved frame of 15ct yellow Gold and mounted as a brooch. A superb choice for a collector or lover of history, this piece remains in wonderful original condition and has all to recommend. 

The son of Zeus, Dionysus (or Bacchus) was considered by the Greeks the god of fertility and wine. Young Dionysus, here depicted as the god of fertility evidenced by the ram and staff alongside the oak leaves and pine cone wreath, carved by a master craftsman (most likely in Rome, the historic centre of the craft) from Sardonyx Shell (Cassis Madagascarensis). An incredible tour de force in the art, the exquisite carving is three dimensional and of wonderful fineness and delicacy with each aspect picked out beautifully, from the tiny pine cones upon the wreath, the curls in the hair to the handsomeness of his profile. When held to the light, the profile is lit by the glowing naturally shaded caramel of the exterior shell. Divine. 

 The 15ct Gold frame is generously carved with scrolling leafery and a double twisted rope edging. The whole piece measures 4cm by 3.2cm, the cameo itself 3cm by 2.5cm. Closes with a traditional 'C' clasp. 

If you'd like to pay for this piece in instalments, our Layaway Terms can be read here. 

Most of our rings can be adjusted to fit for free, this can be done on purchase by making a note in the order form if you know the size, or at a later date if it is a gift. You can download our handy ring sizing guide here, but don't hesitate to contact us if you need further help with this. If visiting us size adjustments can usually be done in around an hour-ish. 

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Here are details of our INSTALMENT PAYMENT PLANS.

Our email address is sales@fetheray.com

You can call us on 01273 326618

Buying from us...

Payment is made securely through Shopify with a credit or debit card, or alternatively via bank transfer, Paypal, cheque or cash. Our telephone number is 01273 326618. 

Once payment has been received, you will receive an email confirmation of your order and we will begin to arrange delivery of your purchase.

All items come with a presentation box and items over £500 with an insurance valuation. In the rare instance that the original box is available, this will be included. We can also giftwrap your special purchase.

Returns or exchanges are simple, should your purchase be unsuitable for any reason.

Delivery of your precious items...

UK Delivery

Posted by insured and trackable Royal Mail ‘Special Delivery’. Guaranteed for the next day after posting.

International Delivery

Outside of the UK delivery costs £12.50. We use Royal Mail Tracked and Signed, but we often upgrade to FedEx courier for free.

Shop Pick-up

All of our items can be viewed in our shop in Brighton Lanes, so if you'd like to order and pick up just let us know...