Look at the hinge or pin on the back. If the pin on the back is a plain c-clasp(the brooch pin loops under a c shaped piece of metal with no roll over fitting)– chances are its an old/ antique brooch. Mythology shell cameos usually date from the 18th Century to the very early 20th Century.

How can you tell if a cameo is valuable?

0:292:07How to tell if a cameo is real? - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipIts lighter in weight the back is totally flat. And you can tell that shes been poured from a moldMoreIts lighter in weight the back is totally flat. And you can tell that shes been poured from a mold. The metal is not even sterling silver. Its just a costume piece.

What is Victorian cameo?

Both men and women wore cameos set as necklaces, brooch, rings and earrings for women, and watch fobs, rings and stick pins for men. The Victorian fascination with all things historic is demonstrated in the. classical Greek profiles and mythological motifs.