Antique Miniature Portrait Brooch Cameo Victorian 800 Silver Nt Sterling Pendant

Antique Miniature Portrait Brooch Cameo Victorian 800 Silver Nt Sterling Pendant. We offer for sale this unique antique Victorian hand painted miniature portrait cameo brooch set in an ornate filigree 800 silver locket / brooch setting. It depicts a lovely young Nobel lady or Royal lol. The dress appears to be dressed in Spanish style with a Medici collar.

The portrait looks like it might be of Marie de Medici of France (formerly Spain) who was often pictured in a similar collar. Catherine de Medici her mother was also often seen is a similar collar. This style of collar is referred to as the Medici collar. In my research I have not found a portrait which would allow me to clearly identify the subject of this portrait. Marie de Medici's image varies quite a bit between the various artist's renditions.

The bale is original to the piece. The clasp and hinge appear to be later well done additions to the piece to allow it to be worn as a brooch. This portrait /painting is detailed and well done. This is sure to become a cherished family heirloom you will enjoy for years to come. It has a fold down bail for wear as a pendant and a pin for wear as a brooch.

Brooch has a safety clasp for secure wear. It looks like it was originally made as a pendant and hardware to wear as a brooch was added later. Brooch/ pendant measures approximately 1 6/8" wide x 2" long.

It has been cleaned and polished and is ready to wear or gift wrap. This is an antique piece age is estimated. Back panel of pendant is marked 800 for 800/1000 parts Silver, which is the old European continental silver standard for before 925 was more adopted as the standard. The silver standard has historically varied by era and country. 800 is currently considered fine silver in the US and 925 sterling.

925 is a softer metal and bend or damaged more easily. 800 is said to be more durable and good for pieces with detailed scrollwork such as this. In my research the closest portraits / ladies whom the brooch resembles, seem to be: see from left to right top to bottom: (1) Jaqueline de Caestre by Reuben; (2) & (4) [1602] Marie de Medici by Frans Pourbus; (3) Marie de Medici with Louis XIII her by Charles Martin; (5) Elizabeth Stuart Queen of Bohemia, [Sister of Prince of Wales];(6) Princess Christine Marie of France, by Frans Pourbus II. Portrait were found via online research. The collar the portrait subject is wearing is know as the "Medici Collar", made fashionable by Spanish borne French Queen, Marie de Medici.

Portraits were found on Google, Wikipedia, and various museums sites independently and through these search engines and are or believe to be public domain. See photos for full description and condition. All serious & reasonable and serious will be considered.