DATE: Victorian, c.1860

A fantastic Victorian shell cameo brooch depicting Nyx, the Goddess of night. The detailing is great, with winged figure carrying her two sleeping sons (Hypnos and Thanatos). Hypnos, the god of sleep, and his twin brother Thanatos, the god of death symbolize how sleep and death are intertwined in the darkness. She is seen being followed by an owl, the symbol of wisdom, and her bat wings, show transformative powers due to their ease of navigating through the dark. Rendered in high relief with an ornate 18k gold mount. 

 STONES 

Shell Cameo 

MEASUREMENTS 

 3.9 x 4.6cm

WEIGHT 

 14.7g

MARKS 

 Stamped 18ct 

CONDITION 

 Very good