Glass Cameo Brooch Value Guide

This antique glass cameo brooch, dating from 1890-1920, showcases a classical female portrait in high relief designed to mimic traditional carved carnelian or amber. It represents a period when the enduring popularity of Renaissance and Victorian styles became accessible to a wider audience through molded glass techniques.

What Is Glass Cameo Brooch Worth?

The typical price range for Glass Cameo Brooch is $75 - $125 based on recent sales. However, values can vary depending on the item's condition, rarity, and other factors such as:

• The condition of the glass surface, specifically the absence of chips or 'flea bites' on the high points of the portrait.
• The intricacy and preservation of the gold-tone metal frame, including any decorative filigree or engraving.
• The clarity and color of the glass, with those successfully imitating carnelian or amber typically holding better value.
• The functionality and originality of the pin back and clasp mechanism.

How to Identify Glass Cameo Brooch?

• Examine the portrait for the smooth, uniform surface characteristic of molded glass rather than the tool marks found on carved shell.
• Check the gold-tone metal frame for late 19th or early 20th-century pin mechanisms, such as a C-clasp or early safety catch.
• Look for air bubbles or mold lines within the glass material which distinguish it from natural stone or shell cameos.
• Observe the high relief of the classical profile to ensure the glass is securely set within the metal bezel.

History of Glass Cameo Brooch

Cameos have a rich history dating back to ancient Greece and Rome, where they were carved from stone or shell to depict deities, rulers, and mythological scenes. During the Renaissance and Victorian eras, cameos experienced a resurgence in popularity, often worn as symbols of status or sentimental keepsakes. This glass cameo, likely molded to imitate carved carnelian or amber, reflects the enduring appeal of this art form, making it accessible to a wider audience during the late 19th or early 20th century.