19 th. C. Venetian Goddess Cameo Lingerie Necklace with Hubai Turquoise - SOLD

SOLD - Divinely designed by Jill Garber and handcrafted in her USA studio, this one-of-a-kind statement necklace masterfully unites Georgian elegance with Native American-inspired design to create a bold yet refined work of wearable art. At its heart lies a museum quality hand carved natural shell Goddess cameo (2.25" x 1.50") dating to the Georgian period, rendered with remarkable detail and grace, and emphasized with a large robin’s egg blue turquoise drop that accentuates its classical beauty.

Radiating outward, six naturally shaped turquoise cabochon festoons, each meticulously hand-set within engraved silver frames, are suspended from substantial links inspired by traditional Navajo popsicle chain. The cabochons, with their rich matrix and varied sizes (42 mm to 25 mm), create a harmonious balance of color, texture, and scale, making the necklace a striking fusion of European artistry and Southwestern heritage. Measuring 19.5 inches in total length, this exceptional piece is a true collector’s treasure, reflecting Jill Garber’s signature ability to merge historical periods, cultural influences, and meticulous craftsmanship into a timeless, wearable masterpiece.

• Antique Georgian ( early 1800's ) period Goddess cameo (2.25" x 1.50")

• Six natural 1960 - vintage Hubai turquoise cabochon festoons, ranging from 42 mm to 25 mm

• One 42 mm 1960 - vintage Hubai turquoise drop at center

• Substantial hand wrought Navajo-inspired popsicle chain links

• Overall length: 19.5 inches

• Handcrafted in sterling silver in Jill Garber's USA studio

*  Hubei turquoise, mined exclusively in the Hubei province of China, is widely regarded as one of the most exquisite and collectible forms of turquoise in the world. Known for its intense robin’s egg blue hues, often accented with delicate veins of brown or black matrix, this gemstone exhibits a depth of color and natural vibrancy rarely seen in other turquoise deposits. Its fine texture, smooth polish, and stable composition make it particularly prized for high-end jewelry and collector’s pieces, where both aesthetic beauty and longevity are essential.

Beyond its physical qualities, Hubei turquoise is valued for its rarity and historical significance. Unlike more abundant turquoise sources, the Hubei mines produce limited quantities, making each cabochon or bead a unique treasure. Historically, Hubei turquoise has been used in Chinese ceremonial art, Imperial jewelry, and fine decorative objects, connecting contemporary collectors to centuries of cultural heritage. For jewelers like Jill Garber, incorporating Hubei turquoise into her one-of-a-kind creations adds an element of timeless elegance, rarity, and luxurious distinction, elevating each piece into a statement of refined artistry and collectible value.

*  The Georgian period (1714–1830) marked a pinnacle of refined artistry in Europe, with jewelry and personal adornments reflecting the elegance, classical taste, and romantic sensibilities of the era. Hand-carved cameos from this period were typically sculpted from shell, coral, or hardstone, depicting mythological figures, deities, and classical motifs inspired by ancient Greco-Roman art. Artisans achieved remarkable detail and depth, often crafting intricate facial expressions, flowing drapery, and delicate symbolism that conveyed stories or allegories.

These cameos are highly valued today for several reasons: each is entirely hand-carved, requiring immense skill and precision; they represent historical and cultural heritage, offering a tangible connection to the aesthetic and social values of the Georgian era; and their timeless beauty and rarity make them prized by collectors, historians, and connoisseurs of fine jewelry. Georgian cameos were considered luxury objects, often passed down as heirlooms, and their artistry continues to inspire contemporary jewelers like Jill Garber, who reimagines these classical treasures in modern wearable works of art.