Hello, this item is a large carved shell cameo brooch and pendant depicting a classical mythological chariot scene, probably representing a solar or celestial subject with four horses emerging above clouds. The carving appears to use the natural contrasting layers of helmet or sardonyx shell, with the cream-white relief standing against a warm orange-brown ground. The piece measures approximately 2.5 x 2 inches and is mounted in an ornate openwork filigree-style metal frame with a pin fitting and suspension bail, allowing it to be worn either as a brooch or pendant. The handwritten “Xmas 1934” label on the reverse provides a useful family date for when the piece was given, but it does not necessarily indicate when it was made. Stylistically, the cameo could date from the late 19th to early 20th century, with the classical subject and elaborate mounting continuing Victorian and Edwardian cameo traditions. No clear gold hallmark is visible in the photographs, so I would describe the setting conservatively as gold-tone or possibly gold-filled unless metal testing confirms solid gold. The cameo itself appears in good overall condition, with no obvious major chips or losses to the relief, while the frame and fittings show normal age-related wear.

The unusually large size, multi-figure composition, four-horse chariot, and relatively detailed carving make this more desirable than a standard profile cameo. Value depends heavily on the quality of the hand carving and, especially, the metal content of the frame. If the mount proves to be solid 10k, 14k, or higher gold, the value could increase materially above the range below. Based on the photographs alone, and valuing it as an early 20th-century carved shell cameo in an unverified gold-tone or gold-filled mount, it has a solid decorative and collector market but should not be priced as fine gold jewelry without testing.

Fair Market Value: $350–$650 USD