Earrings

circa 1890 – circa 1915

Victorian

20th Century

Technique: Relief carving; pierced metalwork Fastening: Screw-back (pre-pierced-ear convention)

Shell

Hand-carved shell cameos, gilt metal or low-karat gold, seed pearls

Gold

Red

Excellent

Jan 22, 2026

Description

Cameo jewelry experienced a major revival during the Victorian period, influenced by classical antiquity and popularized by royal patronage, including Queen Victoria herself. By the turn of the century, cameos were widely worn as earrings, brooches, and pendants, often paired with pearls to enhance their femininity and refinement. Such earrings would have been worn for daytime social occasions, formal visits, or church, and were considered appropriate accessories for respectable public appearance.