A hallmarked silver shell cameo ring from London — where art, history, and heritage meet. Hand-carved, hallmarked, and eternal.
This exquisite vintage ring captures the quiet poetry of bygone eras — a hand-carved shell cameo set gracefully into a sterling silver mount, its warm coral tones embracing the serene ivory profile of a classical lady. The carving is delicate, almost ethereal, revealing the cameo artist’s mastery of depth and contrast. Each curl in her hair, each soft curve of her neckline, whispers of gentility, refinement, and the timeless allure of portraiture that once graced Victorian parlours and Edwardian salons.
The cameo rests within a scalloped silver bezel, the frame subtly twisted like a laurel wreath — a motif of victory and eternal beauty. The silver has acquired a gentle patina that speaks of decades of love and preservation, enhancing its depth and antique charm.
The ring bears full British hallmarks, which attest to its authenticity and provenance:
Maker’s Mark – “TM”: The initials of the silversmith or workshop that created this piece.
Lion Passant: The revered symbol of sterling silver (.925 purity), guaranteeing that the metal meets the highest British standard.
Leopard’s Head: The mark of the London Assay Office, confirming that the ring was tested and certified in London.
Date Letter “S”: Denotes the year of assay, which typically corresponds to 1973 in this hallmark style, situating it firmly in the late 20th century yet inspired by 19th-century cameo artistry.
Additional Mark (Crowned Head): A commemorative stamp, often celebrating a royal jubilee or significant national year, further confirming British authenticity.
Dimensions:
Small ring size (petite fit), perfect for delicate hands or as a pinky statement ring.
Why It’s Collectible:
Cameo jewellery has been admired since the Roman Empire, later becoming an emblem of refinement in the Victorian era. A genuine shell cameo — carved, not molded — is a vanishing art. Each piece is one-of-a-kind, made by skilled artisans rather than machines. This ring captures that vanishing craftsmanship: silver worked by hand, shell carved in relief, and hallmarks that preserve its story in precious metal.
Emotional & Heirloom Value:
Imagine this ring decades from now — resting in a navy velvet box, its silver softly gleaming under the lamplight. A granddaughter opens it, tracing the same profile her grandmother once wore to soirées and evening walks through London streets. She smiles, slips it onto her finger, and carries a whisper of her family’s past forward into her own story.
This is not merely a ring — it is a portrait of grace immortalised in silver and shell, a treasure that transcends time. It belongs to collectors who understand that jewellery is history you can wear — and legacy you can pass on.
- c.1973
- Fully hallmarked Silver and Shell Cameo
- In excellent vintage condition. No defect or damage or damage. Please see close up video for quality assurance.
- Measures: 1.65 cm ring diameter - perfect for small ring size
- Sourced from a coveted vintage fair in London, England.

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