Cameo Jewelry

Cameos have long been a popular type of jewelry. People began making them in ancient times, and we still love them today. They are, in essence, miniature portraits, created to commemorate historical figures or for romance, to remind us of a loved one.

Cameo is an Italian term for a relief that is cut so it is raised. Typically a layered stone such as agate is used. First, a piece of layer stone with different colors in even parallel layers is cut out of a block of agate. (If necessary, the lower layer is dyed black or red-brown. The upper layer remains white because it does not absorb the pigment.) The main features of the cameo are laid out, and the engraver then carves the white area. The more precise the carving, the better!

Cameo lovers and collectors can find antique and vintage cameo jewelry, Victorian cameos, vintage and antique carved shell cameos, cameo habilles (with diamonds), carved ivory cameos, vintage and antique carved shell cameo rings, carved carnelian shell cameos, art deco cameo ring, antique cameo earrings, cameo pendants, cameo rings, cameo bracelets, and other cameo jewelry. Scenes from mythology, ancient Greek women, and heroic soldiers are some of the many designs you might find. Hand carved Italian cameo jewelry is among the most prized by collectors.

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