Question 1

What is a hardstone cameo?

Accepted Answer

Hardstone cameos are composed of any hard gemstone material that is intended for detailed carving. A cameo is a gemstone carved in a raised relief that features landscapes, mythological figures, or most notably, portraits of women’s profiles. These hand-carved, detailed reliefs are typically set in gold or silver and used to adorn pieces of jewelry such as necklaces, bracelets, pendants and rings. Find cameo jewelry on 1stDibs.

Question 2

What are cameos made of?

Accepted Answer

What cameos are made of varies. During the Victorian age, when cameos were most popular, artisans produced them out of an array of natural materials, including mother-of-pearl, shells, agate, ivory, onyx and coral. Modern-day reproductions may feature resin or other man-made materials. On 1stDibs, shop a diverse assortment of cameos.

Question 3

What were cameos used for?

Accepted Answer

A cameo is a decorative accessory made of hard stone or gemstone, on which portraits or “reliefs” are carved. First seen in ancient Rome, the piece became popular again in the Victorian era, and is still seen in production today. Find a collection of vintage and contemporary cameos from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.

Question 4

What is a lava cameo?

Accepted Answer

A lava cameo is a medallion made out of dark limestone found around Pompeii, an Italian city that was destroyed by a volcano. Normally, the cameos feature relief sculptures of people shown in profile. They often decorate earrings, necklaces, brooches and other pieces of jewelry. On 1stDibs, shop a range of lava cameo jewelry.

Question 5

What is a coral cameo?

Accepted Answer

A coral cameo is a piece of jewelry or a decorative object that features a coral gemstone with a face on it. Jewelry makers produce it by carving in high relief onto the surface of the coral. Find a range of coral cameo jewelry on 1stDibs.

Question 6

What is a cameo vase?

Accepted Answer

A cameo vase is a decorative glass vase that features a design in raised relief achieved by engraving, etching and carving. The earliest examples date back to ancient Roman times, and the decorative objects experienced a revival during the Art Nouveau and Neo-Grec periods. On 1stDibs, find a range of cameo vases.

Question 7

What is agate cameo?

Accepted Answer

Agate cameos are measured as semi-precious stones which are created from multi-colored banded agate and conch shell. Nowadays, by using different materials, agate cameos are robust and support sophisticated pieces of art. A wide range of agate cameo jewelry can be found on 1stDibs.

Question 8

What is a cameo relief?

Accepted Answer

A cameo is a method of carving a gem or stone in a raised, relief image. The cameo gem is typically two different colored layers to provide a contrast between the figures in the foreground and the background detail. On 1stDibs, find a collection of cameo reliefs from some of the world’s top sellers.

Question 9

What is Roman cameo glass?

Accepted Answer

Roman cameo glass is a type of glassware that features raised figures. The term may refer to pieces produced by the Ancient Romans or ones done in the style of classical vases and other objects. You'll find a selection of cameo glass serveware and decorative objects on 1stDibs.

Question 10

What does a cameo ring represent?

Accepted Answer

What a cameo ring represents depends on the piece. The figures shown on some cameo jewelry depict an actual person, such as Queen Elizabeth II. Most jewelry does not symbolize a particular person but rather simply shows an image of a woman or man in silhouette or a three-quarter view. On 1stDibs, find a collection of cameo rings.

Question 11

What is the meaning of a cameo ring?

Accepted Answer

A cameo is a hard or precious gemstone carved in relief so that the figures project from a supporting background. A cameo ring is one with such a carved stone. The most common motif of antique cameo rings is a depiction of a profile of a face or mythical creature. Shop a range of antique and vintage cameo rings and other cameo jewelry on 1stDibs.

Question 12

Is a cameo worth anything?

Accepted Answer

How much a cameo is worth varies. Generally, cameos must feature natural materials, such as shells or gemstones, to have any significant value. The age, condition, type, maker and other factors will also influence the potential selling price of a cameo. If you own a cameo, consider having a certified appraiser or experienced jeweler provide you with an expert opinion as to how much it may be worth. On 1stDibs, shop a large collection of cameos.

Question 13

What is the meaning of cameo glass?

Accepted Answer

Cameo glass is a luxury form of glass engraved or etched through layers of different colored glass to produce intricate designs. Cameo glass was first seen in ancient Rome and revived in the mid-19th century. Browse a variety of cameo glass on 1stDibs.

Question 14

What era is cameo jewelry from?

Accepted Answer

Cameo jewelry is usually associated with the Victorian era. However, the jewelry style dates back to ancient times when the Romans wore jewelry that showed faces in bas-relief. During the 19th-century, cameo jewelry saw another surge in popularity due to renewed interest in classical art and architecture. On 1stDibs, shop a selection of cameo jewelry.

Question 15

What Stone is a cameo made of?

Accepted Answer

A cameo can be made of a variety of stones. Most ancient cameos were made of semi-precious gemstones, namely onyx and agate. Today, less expensive contemporary cameo jewelry is produced using shell and glass. Shop an extraordinary collection of cameo jewelry on 1stDibs.

Question 16

How do you tell if a cameo is real?

Accepted Answer

To tell if a cameo is real, look at it from the side. On a real cameo, the raised decoration is a part of the stone, so you won't see any gaps between it and the rest of the piece. The raised design is usually glued on with reproduction cameo jewelry, making it possible to spot a gap or seam. If questions remain about your piece, have a certified appraiser or knowledgeable jeweler evaluate it. Find a selection of cameo jewelry on 1stDibs.

Question 17

What is the difference between a cameo and an intaglio?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 18

How do I identify cameo glass?

Accepted Answer

To identify cameo glass, tilt the piece and study how the light reflects off it. Imitations are often very glossy and reflective, while genuine cameo glass has a much subtler, softer sheen. You can also search your piece for a maker's mark and then utilize online resources to determine who produced it and if it was known for making cameo glass. Some companies and workshops that manufactured cameo glassware include Thomas Webb and Sons, which often used a “GEM CAMEO” maker's mark; Emile Gallé, which used its brand name on a paper label or as an etching directly onto the glass; and Verrerie Schneider, which utilized its name or the word “CHARDER” as a marking. When in doubt about your glassware, consult a certified appraiser or experienced antique dealer. On 1stDibs, shop a collection of cameo glass.

Question 19

Are Zambian emeralds real emeralds?

Accepted Answer

Yes, Zambian emeralds are indeed real emeralds. In fact, they are a superior variety of natural emeralds, known for their deep green hue and slight blue overtone. On 1stDibs, find a collection of authentic emerald gems from some of the world’s top sellers.

Question 20

Are old cameos worth money?

Accepted Answer

Yes, some old cameos can be worth money. Pieces with the most value are handcrafted from natural materials, such as gemstones and shells. In addition to materials, the size, type, age, maker and condition of the cameo will influence how much it might sell for. If you'd like to get an idea of the potential value of your cameo, consider consulting a certified appraiser, knowledgeable antique dealer or experienced jeweler. Shop a wide range of cameos on 1stDibs.

Cameo And Emerald

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