Antique Bezalel Jewish Rachel Cameo Brooch 14K Gold Judaica Palestine Israel

Description

This dates to circa 1915. Both the gold frame and the cameo are in perfect mint condition. The cameo is signed on the back in Hebrew "Bezalel Yerushalem" and the frame is stamped "14CT". This is the largest Bezalel cameo I have ever seen, it is 2.1 inches high. It is also the only Bezalel cameo I've ever seen that was set in a gold frame, most likely because the quality of the carving of the woman's face and hair is simply exquisite; it far surpasses any Bezalel cameo I've ever seen, including examples that are in the Israel Museum in Jerusalem (you can find them on their website). Titled "Rachel" above her head in Hebrew (see fourth photo), this is of the Biblical Rachel, Jacobs wife, who was a shepherdess; notice the shepherds crook she is holding. Last photo shows another high quality Bezalel brooch that sold for ,750 (,000 hammer + 25% buyers premium).
Based on the incredible quality of this cameo and the fact that it is in a stunning, heavy, extremely well crafted 14 karat gold frame, I believe this was specially made for one of the Bezalel touring exhibits in either Europe or the USA.