Opal cameo brooch, attributed to Wilhelm Schmidt, late 19th century

Opal cameo brooch, attributed to Wilhelm Schmidt, late 19th century

Collet-set with an oval cameo in carved opal depicting a bearded man wearing a turban, to a mount engraved with scroll designs, unsigned.

Provenance:
Wilhelm Schmidt (1845-1938) was a talented stone engraver, particularly noted for his work in carved opal. In the late 1860s, Schmidt moved to London, where he established a gem-carving business in Hatton Garden with his brother Louis, supplying intaglios and cameos for many important jewellers including John Brogden, Guiliano and Child & Child, as well as Tiffany & Co in America.