Large vintage hand-carved shell cameo brooch, pretty scalloped edges, depicting Hebe and Zeus as an eagle (some say Leda & Zeus as a swan)

Beautiful and large example of an antique Victorian hand-carved shell cameo set in an unstamped yellow metal with a gorgeous romantic looped border. The cameo is a delicate, beautifully carved example of a scene from Greek mythology.

I initially assumed it was the story of Leda and Zeus in the guise of a swan, but after a little research I believe it depicts Hebe and Zeus as an eagle. Either way, the carving and the Italian artistry is stunning. In Greek mythology, Hebe is the goddess of youth and the original cupbearer to the gods of Mount Olympus. She is frequently depicted alongside an eagle, which represents her father Zeus (or Jupiter in Roman mythology) in his animal form.

The brooch is not stamped, signed or hallmarked - the yellow metal could be rolled gold, gold plate or perhaps even pinchbeck.

The brooch is about 2 1/4 inches long and about 2 inches wide and fastens with an antique C hook clasp and long pin. The brooch is in very good vintage condition.