Mastery of Design: A Sardonyx Cameo, 1660

Sardonyx and Enamel Cameo
The Royal Collection

This gorgeous French cameo of sardonyx, gold and enamel dates to the 1660’s and depicts a scene of cupid crowning Aphrodite. The setting is certainly from the 1660’s, but scholars now believe that the sardonyx carving dates to the First Century.


Described in the Royal Collection simply as a “pretty, little pendant,” the cameo has been a gift of love for centuries, given from one member of the Royal family to the next. Perhaps this would make a fitting gift from Prince William of Wales to his lovely new bride…