In the decades following the French Revolution, European fashion departed drastically from the formal and ostentatious court dress of the previous centuries. Taking inspiration from classical Greek and Roman art, soft flowing silhouettes replaced voluminous pannieres, and carved gemstone cameos, like this one, returned to a place of prominence.

Lovely neoclassical cameo ring in 18k gold, featuring sardonyx cameo of a woman holding a child. Surrounded by tiny rose cut diamond border, w/tripartite wire band. Early 19th century, size 6.