Cameo jewelry, especially necklaces and rings, are still popular today. The main attractions with this jewelry are that it originated thousands of years ago, it is usually an exquisite, hand-crafted sculpture, and it is available in many forms such as rings, necklaces, brooches, lockets, earrings, cuff-links and pins. It may be set into gold, silver, platinum and other frames, and the range of images available makes it an ideal gift for many occasions.
What is Cameo Jewelry?
The Cameo style refers to a sculpted shape of one material set into an underlying stone of a material of a different color. It is the color difference between the two materials, and the relief definition, that gives it the attractive and distinctive appearance. Nowadays the most common type is a gold ring setting, with sculpted shell set in agate.
Cameo Jewelry History
Cameo rings were first produced by the Romans, as they had access to the lava, coral, and shells needed to produce it. It continued to be made through the following centuries, by those with access to the materials and craftsmanship, but there was a sudden increase in Cameo production in the fifteenth century. This increase lasted for another hundred years or so, before waning somewhat. A second wave of enthusiasm followed, when Queen Victoria of England started to wear it.
What Is Cameo Jewelry Made From?
Classical Cameo is made from lava, coral, and conch shells, and has been made this way since the fifteenth century. Divers harvest the coral and shells. These are found at depths of up to 100 metres. They are then sent to the craftsmen for grading. Great care is taken to select only undamaged pieces, free from flaws and cracks. Much of the Cameo jewelry produced today comes from Torre del Greco, a small Italian town near Naples and Mount Vesuvius.
How Is Cameo Jewelry Made?
The small coral piece is mounted with wax on to a stick. Engraving is done using a burin (a tempered steel rod, with a lozenge-shaped point and a rounded handle, used for engraving furrows in metal.) The artist usually uses a picture, sketch or photograph on which to base his carving. The goldsmith work on the setting is strictly hand-made; the coral carving is usually by hand too, although some of the coarse, early-stage carving work may be done by machine.
Cameo Jewelry Summary
Cameo rings originated in ancient Rome, and are still being made today. They are worn by both men and women. Cameo necklaces and rings are striking due to the contrast between the precious stone background and the carved relief profile of the coral. The most popular type now is carved from Italian shell, in a gold or silver setting. Many are hand-crafted even today.
Martin Bell - Martin holds a B.Sc. degree in chemical engineering, and an M.Sc. degree in electronics and computing. He has spent more than 25 years ...
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