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<p>[QUOTE=&quot;Bronwen, post: 289983, member: 5833&quot;]Can always tell more, of course, with the piece in hand, but will tell you what I would notice if I were considering buying it.&nbsp; I will probably say things you already know, but may help others to spell them out.</p><p><br /></p><p>It is definitely made in 2 pieces.&nbsp; From here, I get mixed signals about the figure.&nbsp; See some things that would suggest molded artificial material, but others that suggest it was carved.&nbsp; Some of what gives the impression of artificial, the - technical term - crud around the edges of the figure, may just be - another technical term - grunge &amp; come off with gentle cleaning &amp; not indicate decay. The background looks like glass.&nbsp; The French do some spectacularly good cameos in glass.</p><p><br /></p><p>In English these are known as blackamoor cameos.&nbsp; We do use the French for cameos that are themselves wearing jewellery, they are dressed, they are <i>en habillé</i>.&nbsp; Blackamoor cameos are very often en habillé, depicting what to their makers were exotic figures like bejewelled pashas, noble savages decked out as European nobility.</p><p><br /></p><p>Googling images, I see quite a number that resemble this one in a general way.&nbsp; None have a figure exactly like this, highly encouraging for carved rather than molded; all on these stark white backgrounds.&nbsp; All are female adorned in different ways, all described as Victorian with hairdos not commonly seen in Africa apart from on European colonists.&nbsp; I get a Belle Époque feel from them.&nbsp; The carved hoop earring on this one makes me think turn of the 20th century.&nbsp; They turned up on cameos of Diana &amp; other Pretty Ladies around then.</p><p><br /></p><p>I have no doubt you are a better judge of the lady&#039;s own jewellery, but think I see a spot of verdigris on the necklace?&nbsp; It is difficult to make anything of the &#039;stones&#039; from here, but another thing you are well placed to judge.&nbsp; Enamel or glass paste?</p><p><br /></p><p>I think it is a prime candidate for Kyratization.&nbsp; Assuming a good price, so a very good find.</p><p><br /></p><p>In case blackamoor cameos are new to some, a little general info.&nbsp; They were popular in the Renaissance &amp; had a resurgence in the 18th century, then, obviously, in the period when pieces like this were made.&nbsp; Naturally there are collectors of them.&nbsp; They are not to my personal taste, so adding a few that are, mainly because we all like to see pretty &amp; amazing things.</p><p><br /></p><p>[ATTACH=full]93780[/ATTACH] [ATTACH=full]93781[/ATTACH] [ATTACH=full]93782[/ATTACH] </p><p><br /></p><p>.[/QUOTE]</p><p><br /></p>

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