Featured Bargain Harstone Cameo

Discussion in 'Jewelry' started by Ratsy Brown, Dec 8, 2025 at 7:06 AM.

  1. Ratsy Brown

    Ratsy Brown Well-Known Member

    Hi all

    Managed to snag this hardstone cameo for £37 on eBay.

    No hallmarking but tests as 18ct gold, with twisting black enamel around the edge.

    a couple of condition issues. A chip to the left shoulder, and a crack visible front and back to the left of the portrait. Nice repair though.

    5cm height
    3.8cm width
    33.57 grams

    IMG_1009.jpeg IMG_1012.jpeg IMG_1014.jpeg IMG_1019.jpeg IMG_1016.jpeg IMG_1017.jpeg
     
    Ratsy Brown, Dec 8, 2025 at 7:06 AM
    #1 + Quote Reply
    stracci, glassluv, bercrystal and 14 others like this.
  2. charlie cheswick

    charlie cheswick Well-Known Member

    stunning mate !.....congrats :singing:
     
    charlie cheswick, Dec 8, 2025 at 8:13 AM
    #2 + Quote Reply
    stracci, Bronwen, komokwa and 7 others like this.
  3. Marote

    Marote Well-Known Member

    No mark here?
    upload_2025-12-8_15-14-27.png
     
    Marote, Dec 8, 2025 at 9:17 AM
    #3 + Quote Reply
    Bronwen, komokwa, wlwhittier and 5 others like this.
  4. Any Jewelry

    Any Jewelry Well-Known Member

    A real bargain, Ratsy. Great cameo, even with the damage. Really love the gold and black lacquer border.
     
    Any Jewelry, Dec 8, 2025 at 9:20 AM
    #4 + Quote Reply
    stracci, Bronwen, komokwa and 9 others like this.
  5. aaroncab

    aaroncab in veritate victoria

    Score!
     
    aaroncab, Dec 8, 2025 at 10:01 AM
    #5 + Quote Reply
    Bronwen, komokwa, wlwhittier and 5 others like this.
  6. Lucille.b

    Lucille.b Well-Known Member

    Wow. I would have bet on that one, too. The frame is spectacular on it's own and screams gold. Stunning carving.

    Well purchased.
     
    Lucille.b, Dec 8, 2025 at 10:27 AM
    #6 + Quote Reply
    aaroncab, Bronwen, komokwa and 6 others like this.
  7. Marie Forjan

    Marie Forjan Well-Known Member

    What a beauty, congratulations!!!!!!!
     
    Marie Forjan, Dec 8, 2025 at 10:40 AM
    #7 + Quote Reply
    aaroncab, Bronwen, komokwa and 5 others like this.
  8. bosko69

    bosko69 Well-Known Member

    stunner
     
    bosko69, Dec 8, 2025 at 12:05 PM
    #8 + Quote Reply
    Bronwen, Marote, komokwa and 3 others like this.
  9. wlwhittier

    wlwhittier Well-Known Member

    I'll sure add my appreciation...Helluva Find!
     
    wlwhittier, Dec 8, 2025 at 2:11 PM
    #9 + Quote Reply
    Bronwen, Marote, komokwa and 1 other person like this.
  10. komokwa

    komokwa The Truth is out there...!

    Top of your game , Mr. Brown !!!!! Great find !!
     
    komokwa, Dec 8, 2025 at 2:53 PM
    #10 + Quote Reply
    Bronwen and Marote like this.
  11. evelyb30

    evelyb30 Well-Known Member

    WOW. Someone was asleep at the switch, and it wasn't Mr Brown!
     
    evelyb30, Dec 8, 2025 at 3:25 PM
    #11 + Quote Reply
    Bronwen and Marote like this.
  12. Marie Forjan

    Marie Forjan Well-Known Member

    With the price of gold right now I'm so happy this piece is still intact!
     
    Marie Forjan, Dec 8, 2025 at 4:04 PM
    #12 + Quote Reply
    aaroncab, Bronwen and Marote like this.
  13. evelyb30

    evelyb30 Well-Known Member

    It wasn't marked, so the yahoos who rely on loupes missed it. Old farts with eyeballs did not.
     
    evelyb30, Dec 8, 2025 at 4:29 PM
    #13 + Quote Reply
    Bronwen likes this.
  14. Bronwen

    Bronwen Well-Known Member

    A bit more interesting than you know: this is Antinous, well executed. Always a popular subject.

    Have never seen an agate cameo crack in this way without more damage to the entire piece. Guess that's the difference between hardstone & 'harstone'. :p
     
    Bronwen, Dec 8, 2025 at 5:24 PM
    #14 + Quote Reply
    stracci, aaroncab, glassluv and 3 others like this.
  15. Bronwen

    Bronwen Well-Known Member

    I would say your guy is of the Villa Albani type, a relief found in Hadrian's Villa, later moved.

    upload_2025-12-8_17-31-11.png
     
    Bronwen, Dec 8, 2025 at 5:31 PM
    #15 + Quote Reply
    stracci, evelyb30, aaroncab and 4 others like this.
  16. Bronwen

    Bronwen Well-Known Member

    In what way has it been repaired?
     
    Bronwen, Dec 8, 2025 at 10:38 PM
    #16 + Quote Reply
  17. Ratsy Brown

    Ratsy Brown Well-Known Member

    I assume its a repair based on the crack being visible on both sides
     
    Ratsy Brown, Dec 9, 2025 at 1:33 AM
    #17 + Quote Reply
  18. Bronwen

    Bronwen Well-Known Member

    I see no indication of a repair. Nor do I see any damage to the frame, so I think the stone is being held snugly enough in place to be stable. Looks like it somehow took a good whack from the front.
     
    Bronwen, Dec 9, 2025 at 2:18 AM
    #18 + Quote Reply
Draft saved Draft deleted
Similar Threads: Bargain Harstone
Forum Title Date
Jewelry Rummage sale bargains Feb 3, 2023
Jewelry Silver things... and bargains. Aug 4, 2022

Share This Page