Victorian 14kt Carved Hardstone Cameo Pin/Pendant Emerald The back of the piece

The back of the piece shows some variation in texture where the pin clasp was removed

The piece carries a wonderful 3-dimensional look and on the back is a secure pin clasp

Their bold

The beads vary in size and shape

and rubies are intact

Victorian 14kt Carved Hardstone Cameo Pin/Pendant Emerald The back of the pieceThe earliest known use of shell for cameo carving was during the 15th and 16th centuries. Before that, cameos were carved from hardstone. The Renaissance cameos are typically white on a grayish background and were carved from the shell of a mussel or cowry. In the mid 18th century, explorations revealed new shell varieties. Helmet shells from the West Indies, and queen conch shells from the Bahamas arrived in Europe, thus sparking a big increase in