A striking revival of the classical cameo — elevated with the glamour of 1980s jewellery design.
This elegant vintage cameo brooch features a finely sculpted lady’s profile in celluloid relief, set against a vibrant coral ground. The cameo portrait is surrounded by a radiant halo of clear crystal rhinestones, each individually set within a richly detailed triple gold-plated frame.
The composition beautifully blends two worlds of jewellery aesthetics: the romantic heritage of classical European cameo portraiture and the bold, luminous styling of the 1980s, when gold and sparkle returned prominently to fashion.
Discovered as deadstock from a London warehouse, the brooch has remained unworn since its original production.
Design Details
The piece is crafted as an oval medallion, allowing the cameo portrait to sit prominently at the centre while the rhinestone border adds brilliance and depth.
Key features include:
• Raised classical female portrait in celluloid cameo
• Vibrant coral background enhancing the relief carving
• Halo of clear crystal rhinestones surrounding the cameo
• Triple gold-plated metal setting with textured detailing
• Elegant oval silhouette typical of cameo jewellery
The portrait captures the refined elegance long associated with cameo jewellery — softly gathered hair, a classical profile and draped neckline inspired by Greco-Roman portraiture.
Styling Suggestions
This brooch offers the timeless elegance of cameo jewellery with a touch of vintage glamour.
Classic styling
• On the lapel of a tailored blazer
• Pinned to a silk blouse or dress
• On the collar of a cardigan
Statement styling
• On a velvet jacket for evening wear
• As a focal point on a silk scarf
• On a structured handbag for a vintage accent
The coral cameo and gold frame pair beautifully with ivory, champagne, navy, deep burgundy and soft blush tones.
Collector’s Value
This piece holds particular appeal for collectors of vintage costume jewellery.
Deadstock discovery
Unworn vintage pieces from old warehouses are increasingly rare.
1980s cameo revival
The decade saw a renewed fascination with classical motifs.
Triple gold plating
Provides a rich, durable finish.
Rhinestone halo setting
Adds brilliance and gives the brooch a distinctive vintage glamour.
Cameos have remained one of the most enduring motifs in jewellery history — miniature portraits that capture romance, heritage and timeless femininity.
 
Provenance
These earrings come from a remarkable discovery — deadstock from a historic London jewellery warehouse that closed its doors in the late 1980s. Decades later, the warehouse was rediscovered and reopened, revealing untouched vintage inventory preserved exactly as it was when the business ceased operations.
Today, this archive supplies rare pieces to film and production houses such as Bridgerton, Joan, and other major costume productions, alongside a select circle of vintage dealers.
To encounter such pieces in unworn condition after more than four decades is exceptionally rare.
 
Era: 1980s
Condition: Deadstock (never worn, old warehouse stock)
Material: Triple gold-plated metal, celluloid cameo, crystal rhinestones
Measurements: 4.5 cm × 3.5 cm