Vintage mother-of-pearl (MOP) carved cameo brooch/pendant set in European silver is in great condition. Key Characteristics & Identification Material: The portrait is hand-carved from lustrous mother-of-pearl (nacre), featuring a iridescent sheen set over a dark shell or silver backing. Frame & Setting: Oval bezel setting accented with a delicate gold-tone/gilded twisted rope border. What a .900 Hallmark Means Silver Purity: A .900 mark signifies 90% fine silver (also referred to as "Coin Silver"). This is a higher silver content than standard European .800 continental silver, putting it just under standard .925 Sterling Silver. Origins & Craftsmanship: While .800 was widely used across Italy and Germany, .900 silver was particularly prominent in European jewelry export pieces (especially from Italy, Austria, and Hungary) made during the early-to-mid 20th century. It was frequently used to ensure pieces met higher silver content standards for foreign markets while remaining durable enough for fine bezel and filigree work. Estimated Age & History Estimated Age: Circa 1930s – 1950s (Mid-20th Century). Historical Context: While Italy (specifically Torre del Greco) has been the world capital of shell cameo carving for centuries, mother-of-pearl cameos reached high popularity in the 1930s through the post-WWII era as elegant, light-reflecting alternatives to traditional conch shells.