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Questions & Answers
Our trusted network of 1stDibs sellers answer common questions

What is the difference between a cameo and an intaglio?

1 Answer
What is the difference between a cameo and an intaglio?
The difference between a cameo and an intaglio is the texture of the carving. Both terms describe gemstones that have been carved, but the detailing differs. On a cameo, the decorative image protrudes from the gemstone's surface because the artisan cut away material. With an intaglio, the artisan instead cuts into the stone, creating a recessed design. On 1stDibs, shop a range of cameo and intaglio jewelry.
1stDibs ExpertOctober 7, 2024
Shop for Cameo Jewelry on 1stDibs
Antique 12k Yellow Gold Sapphire and Ruby Shell Cameo Jewelry Set
Located in New York, NY
Antique 12k Yellow Gold Sapphire and Ruby Shell Cameo Jewelry Set. This finely crafted set features
Category

20th Century Dangle Earrings

Materials

Ruby, Sapphire, Yellow Gold, Gold

Dior Cameo Short Costume Pearl Necklace, 2000s
By Christian Dior
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Dior - (Made in France) Short costume pearl necklace composed of several rows and with three cameos
Category

Early 2000s French Choker Necklaces

Antique Gilt Mary Joseph and John Cameo Brooch
Located in New York, NY
representation of faith, family, and tradition—ideal for collectors of devotional or antique cameo jewelry
Category

Antique 19th Century Brooches

Materials

Gold Plate, Copper

Antique Yellow Gold "Venus with Cupids" Cameo Brooch Pendant
Located in New York, NY
versatility. A fine example of 19th-century artistry, ideal for collectors of mythological or cameo jewelry
Category

Antique 19th Century Brooches

Materials

Yellow Gold

Vintage Shell Last Supper Cameo Brooch 9k Yellow Gold
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
depicting the Last Supper; part of our cameo jewelry collections. This exceptional and large vintage brooch
Category

Vintage 1970s Brooches

Materials

Yellow Gold

Dangle Earring with Shell Cameo & Pearl with Pave Diamonds Made in Gold & Silver
By Artisan NYC
Located in New York, NY
Dangles, Gold & Silver Cameo Jewelry, Vintage Statement Earrings, Artistic Cameo Drop Earrings
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Art Deco Dangle Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Silver, Gold

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