1920s Ostby & Barton Shell Cameo Pendant Brooch

Once known as the largest ring manufacturers in the world, the history of Ostby & Barton is a bit of a Cinderella story befallen by tragedy.

Engelhart Ostby was a Norwegian trained jeweler who emigrated to the United States in 1869. After working for a number of jewelers, Ostby met Nathan Barton and together founded Ostby & Barton Co. in 1879.

Beginning with less than $3,000 to their name, Ostby & Barton found fast success; taking the jewelry business by storm and quickly becoming a household name.

But all of that good fortune came to a halt in April of 1912, when Ostby and his daughter, Helene, were returning home from their trip to France to study European jewelry design and production.

When the duo were preparing to head back to their home in Providence, RI, they heard from friends about a new ship sailing to New York, the RMS Titanic. Ostby purchased two first class tickets for he and his daughter. 

Late in the night on April 14, the Titanic struck and iceberg and began to sink. Ostby and Helene made it to the deck of the ship before Ostby decided to return to his room to grab a jacket to protect him from the cold air. That was the last time he was seen alive.

Helene boarded a lifeboat and made it to safety, while her father unfortunately perished with the ship.

After Helene had time to process the terrible tragedy, she returned to Rhode Island and joined her brother and his daughter to become joint owners in Ostby & Barton Co. and they continued producing beautiful jewelry into the 1950s.

This striking cameo hails from Helene's time at the helm. It is crafted in sterling silver that has been rhodium plated to ensure a long-lasting shine. It features beautiful filigree lace work and a lovely shell cameo of a young woman adorned with flowers. 

This wonderful piece can be worn as a brooch or as a pendant making it super versatile. 

A beautiful treasure for any cameo lover.