I’ve been a little obsessed lately. With women. Women carved in shell, stone and/or resin, to be exact. To say I’ve always had a love for vintage Cameos would be an understatement. The delicate features carved into gorgeous shells and other material seem so magical. I once had a very good friend several decades older that had an unbelievable Cameo collection. One day, as she felt she was nearing the end of her life, she offered me my pick. I chose an antique 14kt gold and diamond Cameo ring that I have, wear and treasure to this day. What’s not to love about Cameos. After all, they are rumored to posses mystical powers in the form of good health and wealth for those that wear them.
What is a Cameo exactly? The true definition is: a small scene or figure carved in relief. Often times, these carvings are made of shell, coral or glass but can be carved out of man-made materials, as well. The sister to the Cameo is the Intaglio. Think of it as the inverse of a Cameo. Instead of being carved in relief, the Intaglio is instead carved downward into the stone. Whichever you prefer, Cameo or Intaglio, both are beautiful, in my opinion.
There’s a lesser known fact that left facing Cameos are actually more rare, and therefore more valuable. And there’s also a much more well-known mantra with Cameos: “The Nose Knows.” As fashions changed throughout the ages, so did the carved features of the women in profile. The shape and size of the carving’s nose can be a tell-tail sign of the era in which is was produced, reflecting the fashion at the time.
For more information on Cameos and Intaglios, you may want to read Cameo expert Anna Miller’s Cameo’s Old and New (4th Edition). It provides a beautiful history, as well as helpful information for the Cameo collector and enthusiast alike.
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6 Responses
I have some cameos may I send some pic
April:
I just sent an email as a reply to your note. Please let me know if you don’t receive it. Warmly, WendyKate
Hello, my girlfriend recently gave me a little cameo as a present. not looking to sell it but i just want to know the value. it looks like its supposed to go on a chain and it has the inscription of ‘N’. It is a right facing carving of what looks like the statue of david. it is gold encased. i would love to figure out when it is from.
Hi, Nikolaus. Sounds like you have a very kind and generous girlfriend. 😉 I sent you an email, as well, but the best way to have your piece evaluated is to have an appraiser that’s familiar with vintage jewelry take a look. If you’re local to the Raleigh area, I can recommend someone. If you’re not, I can also help you understand what to look for in an appraiser, so you get someone knowledgeable about vintage jewels. ~WendyKate
I inherited a left facing pink cameo ring. I can’t see what is stamped on the metal but there is something there. The band is very simple surrounding the cameo. There is an elegant style of sconces below the surrounding and onto the band. It appears to be gold/brass and maybe a size 4 to 6. On the pink stone you can see etch marks on the underside. I am just curious if you know if it could be old?
Hi, Karla. I’d be happy to help make an attempt at an identification. Could you send me some very clear photos of the ring and the marking on the inside. That would be a place to start. You can email me at info@katiecallahanandco.com with some photos and I’ll do my best!