Shell cameo

The shell cameo shown here is set in 9 carat gold and dates from the early 20th century.

Trendy themes continued to be Greek gods and a superb gold and shell cameo necklace and earring set depicting scenes of Apollo driving a chariot with Cupid and Psyche within beaded frames is typical of this populist style.

A Victorian oval shell cameo brooch made pounds 640 and a sapphire and diamond five-stone ring pounds 620.

The first features Italian shell cameos of Christian themes that depict the Stations of the Cross and Saints.

Today's buyers of Grand Tour souvenirs should watch out for micro-mosaic panels and jewellery made up of small fragments of coloured stone, clay or glass; Italian carved shell cameos, of which Florence was an important centre; Italian maiolica pottery; prints of Italian landscapes and topographical subjects; Sienna marble temple models from the Roman Forum; travelling trunks and other fitted luggage; books and maps; bronzes and paintings by lesser English artists, not forgetting Lot 1642.

Shell cameos are still carved today in Torre del Greco, a village at the foot of Vesuvius.

Shell cameos rose in popularity, with many artists working in Rome during the 19th century.

Unlike carved gems, shell cameos offered the advantage of being less formal and could be worn during the day.

Italian shell cameos of Christian themes depict the Stations of the Cross and Saints.