LARGE Victorian Hand-Carved Shell Cameo Brooch or Pin ZEUS and an EAGLE

  

In Greek Mythology, the EAGLE is seen as a symbol of power, strength, and leadership. It is often associated with ZEUS, the chief God of the Greek Pantheon. The Eagle is said to have been Zeus's sacred animal. The Eagle was seen as the King of all birds and is a symbol of Victory!

This "Historical" hand-carved Shell Cameo embraces ALL of that Greek Mythology and History and is a very powerful piece of jewelry! The two represent each other in the sky and on the land, don't you think? Both are very majestic and very powerful! I love how the gold surrounding this LARGE CAMEO has been fit or molded around the shell cameo, so it is all different thicknesses.

There are no markings, but guessing it is probably 10 kt or 14 kt gold. (I don't own any machines that tell you gold content). But I DO know it's very old, very intricate just look at the intricate carving of Zeus's face, beard, hair, the laurel wreath or crown-down to the folds of his toga! The eagle is also very intricate with fine detailing of its feathers.

I have tried to take photos from every angle and don't seem to see any hairline cracks or breaks or other damage. So many times with older cameos, the nose is chipped off, or some other fine details has been cracked or fallen off. This cameo has always been carefully stored by me and I think worn about two times. Mostly I had it on display with other male cameos (which I will be listing now and then). There are a couple carved four warrior cameos currently for sale. Pretty cool-four carved faces in a carnelian setting! Anyway, back to this "TREASURE"! It measures approximately 2-1/4 to 2-1/2 inches high and approximately 1-1/2 inches wide at its widest (which is about the middle of the oval cameo). Because the gold mount surrounding the came has been crafted around the different heights, there are all sorts of different dimensions. Please check all the pictures to see for yourself how unique this border detail is, instead of a straight border. All in All, a really superb and elegant and gorgeous piece of Greek Mythology of ZEUS and an EAGLE!

Thank You ALL-Good Luck ALL!