1930’s- Victorian Revival Mourning Habillé 2024 Cameo Pendant: 2” (New SS & Gold Vermeil Chain 16”)

This gorgeous vintage Cameo pendant was made sometime in the 1930s in Germany. It has the unexpected addition of a faux diamond necklace.
Cameos depicting women with jewelry or diadem are known as habillé, which means “dressed,” “clad” or “dressy.” Habillé cameos became popular during the 1840s long before Queen Victoria made them a socially required jewelry trend.

This particular Cameo was designed as a Victorian Revival piece, specifically a Mourning piece. Queen Victoria made black jewelry fashionable after the death of Prince Albert in 1861. This is why it is widely associated with the Victorian Era. Antique Victorian Mourning jewelry is defined by black design elements. This beautiful vintage Cameo is deep black.

This unique Cameo pendant is composed of an early form of pressed acrylic. The exquisite necklace found on the Cameo incorporates a prong set Diamond rhinestone. The diamond necklace gives the Cameo a luxurious antique detail. Quite unexpected…
The composition is completed with a simple Victorian bronze frame which highlights the Cameo perfectly.
The really remarkable aspect of the design however is it's shape and size. It is exceptionally rare to find a circular Cameo and even rarer to find one measuring 2”.

Aside from the designs absolute rarity, the color black (which symbolized loss) makes this Victorian Revival pendant a true example of the Victorian Mourning tradition. From the image of the charming Victorian lady to the austere bronze frame, it is an exceptionally well considered design and in all likelihood was based on an authentic Victorian vulcanite cameo.

The Specifics:
Condition: This pendant began its life as a brooch (see photos) at sometime, possibly in the 1950s or 1960s, the pin mechanisms were removed and the bail was added. Prong set, at some point the cameo was also reinforced with what 2024 appears to be a clear glue. These additions do not effect the overall presentation and can not be seen when worn.
Composition:
Pendant- Acrylic, Bronze, Glass Diamond Rhinestone (2”)
Chain- New Petite Snake Chain, Sterling Silver with a gold vermeil finish (16”)
About the composition:
First developed in 1901, acrylic plastic wasn't used in jewelry until the early 1930's in Germany. Acrylic was favored for its crystal clear translucency and ability to be easily colored and molded.
The look: Refined, Antique, Authentic, and maybe with certain attire, a bit macabre.

Last thoughts:
The pictures do not do this pendant justice!
A rather bold design, it is absolutely eye catching …you will definitely receive compliments.
It would look stunning with a low cut lace blouse, any leather look, a bright v-neck dress, even a black dress with an interesting neckline… it is that beautiful.

Please review the photos carefully and email with any questions you may have prior to making a purchase.

Enjoy.