Art Deco Shell Cameo of St George in White Gold "Knight Slaying Dragon"

This fantastic piece of wearable jewelry art comes from the estate of a renowned local cameo collector. The brooch-pendant combo was made circa 1925 and set into an Art Deco filigree frame of white gold. The cameo is carved in high relief from a brown and white shell and is one of the most unusual cameo subjects we have ever seen: it depicts St George, the dragon slayer, in full glory! This Romanized version of St George is mounted on horseback, holding a lance, and slaying a mythical-looking winged dragon beneath him. In the story, the evil dragon terrorizes a village, and when they run out of livestock to feed it, they start giving it human sacrifices. Eventually, they choose a beloved princess to sacrifice. St George slays the dragon and rescues the princess, freeing the village from tyranny. This story was especially popular in the Middle Ages and Victorian Europe, so it is possible that this fine carving may predate the rest of the brooch; however, there is no way for us to confirm this. The cameo is large, measuring just over two inches in length, and can be worn on a chain or as a brooch.

Details: 14k white gold pin pendant combo set with carved shell cameo, Art Deco circa 1925.