19 th. C. Elizabethan Lingerie Necklace with Goddess Cameo and Mother-of-Pearl

Exquisitely handcrafted in Jill Garber’s USA studio, this one-of-a-kind Elizabethan-inspired lingerie necklace is a celebration of romance, history, and masterful artistry. At its heart lies a hand-carved Victorian period Goddess cameo, mounted in engraved 14-karat gold and bezel-set with sterling silver beading, seamlessly extending from a delicate French bronze figural portrait medallion. These central elements create a dramatic and elegant focal point, perfectly capturing the grace and power of classical femininity.

Complementing this centerpiece are four broad oval and four elongated oval high-domed natural mother-of-pearl cabochons, artfully interspersed with antique English sterling silver figural panels. A matching clasp completes the composition, forming a necklace that balances historical reverence, romantic detail, and contemporary luxury.

Every detail reflects Jill Garber’s mastery in transforming historical and classical motifs into wearable works of art, making this necklace both a collector’s treasure and a statement of timeless elegance.

• Exquisite 19th-Century Victorian Hand-Carved Cameo mounted in engraved 14-karat gold, a centerpiece of historical elegance

• French Bronze Goddess Medallion, adding classical artistry and sculptural depth

• Four 30 x 22 mm Oval High-Domed Mother-of-Pearl Cabochons, polished to a luminous finish

• Four 25 x 8 mm Elongated Oval High-Domed Mother-of-Pearl Cabochons, providing graceful dimension

• Six Antique English Sterling Silver Figural Links with a matching clasp, reflecting masterful craftsmanship

• Eight 5 mm Round Mother-of-Pearl Cabochons, adding delicate, radiant accents

• Overall Necklace Length: 17.5 inches, with a 4-inch elegant drop

• Handcrafted in Sterling Silver with Rich Studio Patina, signed by JG, ensuring a one-of-a-kind collector’s piece

  *  Hand-carved shell cameos reached the height of their popularity during the 19th century, celebrated for their refined artistry, classical motifs, and wearable elegance. Crafted from naturally layered shells, these cameos showcased intricate relief carvings, often depicting mythological figures, allegorical scenes, or classical goddesses, allowing the subtle contrast between the shell’s layers to create depth and dimension. Skilled artisans, particularly in Italy and France, mastered the delicate techniques required to carve the finest details into the fragile medium, producing pieces that were both miniature works of art and symbols of sophistication.

  During this period, cameos were highly prized not only as personal adornments but also as collectible objects that reflected cultural literacy, refinement, and taste. Popular subjects such as the Three Graces, Venus, and other classical deities reflected the 19th century’s fascination with antiquity and Renaissance art, bridging centuries of artistic tradition. Beyond their aesthetic appeal, shell cameos often carried symbolic or sentimental meaning, serving as mementos, talismans, or statements of social status. Today, these cameos are treasured by collectors and designers alike for their historical significance, craftsmanship, and timeless beauty, making them a perfect focal point in luxury jewelry reinterpretations by artisans like Jill Garber.