Cameo of Pocahontas

Original Cameo that was given to Pocahontas

The original cameo as presented to Pocahontas by King James I and Queen Anne in 1616 during her visit to London, England. This Jewel has a fascinating history. After her death in England from illness, it was bought over to America by her husband John Rolfe. Later it passed on to her son.

The cameo was stolen during the American civil war. A bowie knife was used to price it out of the setting which was sold to raise funds for the war effort.

Many years later the cameo brooch was recovered and a simple gold setting was made to display it. The cameo was donated by the Weisberger family to the Jamestown settlement museum, Virginia, USA, where it is on display.

In spring 2007 I was asked to create a replica carving that was to be presented to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, on her visit Virginia on her official trip to the United States. I flew over to Virginia from the UK to examine the original brooch.

The cameo was carved into a layered agate which had natural colouring. Almost all modern layered gates are dyed to create strong layers of color. I searched worldwide to locate some undyed layered agate, that was the closest color match to the original.

My cameo brooch of Pocahontas

Creating the replica cameo brooch

I worked to closely match the original carving, although I did alter the nose to make it a closer match to the image of Pocahontas.

The cameo was set into a Platinum frame and encircled by natural freshwater pearls that were fished from the Mississippi.

The benefactor was closely involved in the design of the Cameo Jewel and in selecting the pearls for the Cameo brooch.

Her Majesty listened to the explanation of the original Cameo given to Pocahontas and of the process of making my Cameo of Pocahontas.

I heard that the Queen loved the Cameo and was entranced by the story behind it. My Cameo of Pocahontas is now in the Royal Collection at Buckingham Palace, London.