MUSEUM QUALITY CAMEO:
Hand carved shell cameo depicts HERCULES with the lion pelt on his head. In mythology HERCULES killed the lion and then wore the pelt for all to see. Look at the hair area to see the head of the lion. The mouth is near the ear of HERCULES, the eyes and nose are at the top of the head. What looks like long hair is actually the lion mane. Ther person who carved this cameo had an outstanding imagination and exceptional carving skills. The cameo has recently been set in a 14K yellow gold mounting. The pin measures 2 inches x 1 1/2 inches and is signed on the back by the carver. The condition of the brooch is excellent.