17th century AD or earlier. A carnelian cameo bust of Christ modelled in the half-round with right hand raised in blessing, left hand supporting a codex, nimbus with paired radiating lines, flanking legend 'IC / XC' (IHCOYC XPICTOC, Jesus Christ); set into a later gold discoid pendant applied integral ribbed loop. 13 grams, 38mm (1 1/2"). Property of a London gentleman; acquired by his father in the 1970s; thence by descent; supplied with geologic report No. TL004769, by geologic consultant Dr R. L. Bonewitz. Extremely fine condition.