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Renaissance Jewelers - Vintage Cameo Collection
Cameos

Perhaps the timeless beauty of antique jewels is best exemplified by the lovely Cameo. Whether classic profile, biblical or mythological scenes, the artistry of cameo carving truly approximates bas-relief sculpture in miniature. A cameo, simply defined, is a single medium, usually layered, on which a design is carved in relief. The earliest cameos have been traced back to 6 BC in Rome; their origin and production have been almost exclusively Italian. Although conch shell from the Mediterranian Sea was the most prevalent cameo medium, the earliest examples were fashioned from hardstone, sardonyx, carnelian, agate and lave from Mt. Vesuvius. Coral, abalone and mother of peral were others, although less popular, cameo mediums. Mountings or bezels were hand-fashioned to meet the custom specifications of each carving. Karat gold, silver, gold-filled, pinchback and brass were all utilized on bezels, often with filigree, minute gemstones and seed pearls. Cameos maintained a high degree of popularity throughout the Victorian era and into the Art Deco period. Classical profiles and biblical scenes gave way to portraits of lovely young girls with bobbed hair and well-proportioned features, often depicted with petite diamond necklaces. Value is determined by the medium and artistry of the cameo carving as well as the precious metal content and workmanship of the bezel. Age and original (unrepaired) condition are also factors contributing to desirability and cost

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