Mantel With Cameos

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.

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.

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.

A mantle shelf is a frame around the opening of a fireplace mostly made of stone or wood. In the olden days, it was designed as a decorative hood over the fire grate to catch smoke. The term has evolved now, and it includes a variety of decorative frameworks around the fireplace, with elaborate designs extending to the ceiling. On 1stDibs, find a range of antique and vintage fireplace mantels.

Fireplaces have mantels to prevent smoke from entering the room. Initially, mantels functioned as hoods and were installed to protect an interior space and nearby objects from the extreme heat generated by a fireplace.

Today, fireplaces and mantels can be seen as a focal point in your decor. Fireplaces were once essential fixtures in a home. Even as HVAC systems would eventually see to it that fireplaces weren’t a necessity, no mechanically engineered thermal heating and ventilation technology can replicate the feeling of warmth and camaraderie that a flickering fire guarantees.

Find antique and vintage fireplaces and mantels on 1stDibs.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.