Sunday, February 2, 2014

Mastery of Design: The Dunne "Graces" Brooch, c. 1850




Click image to enlarge.

Cameo Brooch
England, 1850
The Victoria & Albert Museum



A brooch of shell cameo, this jewel was designed to hold a lock or plait of hair, or possibly an image, in the glazed compartment at the reverse. Most likely, it was made as a memorial jewel, but it could have been intended as a sentimental gift between lovers or friends.

The cameo depicts a scene of The Three Graces. Mounted in gold, the cameo is set with garnets. It was made in England around 1850 by a now unknown maker.  it was given to the V&A by Miss Edith Dunne.  





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