CAMEOS ARE THE CLASSIC HEIRLOOM

Almost every adult woman in the world, probably has at least one cameo in her jewelry box.

Cameos have been around for thousands of years. They are not a jewelry fad.  They are desired because of their hand-crafted nature and pure artwork.

They are valuable heirlooms that are passed from one generation to another.

More than likely, cameos will be here for "many generations" to come.

General Types of Cameos:

• CAMEO....Shell or stone cut in relief using the object itself to produce shadings of the carving
• KAMEA...Amulet or charm...known as an "Engraved Gem"
• RELIEF...Carved from the front with only the front profile showing
• INTAGLIO...Carved fron the rear of the profile

Most people believe that cameos were first carved in Greece or Rome.

Shell  carving became extremely popular and settled in a small town at the base of Mt. Vesuvius located on the bay of naples called Torre del Greco, Italy.

Another wonderful carving center known for their cameo carving is Idar Oberstein, Germany.

Example of an Antique Shell Cameo

Some of the first cameos were made from stone, shell, lava and agate.

High quality shell cameos:

• Will have a thick, but not bulbous shell
• Have perfect calibrated outside measurement--
• 18x25mm, 30x20mm, 40x30mm 
• Be equal on both sides
• Unblemished coloring
• Proportioned similar to a fine painting
• Detailed eyes
• Detailed  and flowing hair that appears natural
• Well defined and curved neck in a natural position
• Have a delicate well formed nose

Agate Cameos:

• Will have Good Coloring
• Even profile colors and background colors
• No blotches or faded color

Cameo should look like an exquisite, master painting with wonderful detail

Art Grade Shell Cameos:

• Art Grade cameos are extremely elaborate cameos
• Design may be a goddess, horse, several ladies, 3-4 profiles or figures
• Could be a limited edition or one of kind
• Usually signed on the back by the carver
• Created by a master carver
• The eyes, fingers, hair, ornaments and ears are detailed
• Usually different from other cameos

Porcelain Cameos:

Example of hand-painted porcelain cameo

This type of cameo is somewhat new to the US but is very popular.

What most people look for in a Cameo:

• Well detailed Cameo
• Extremely well carved
• Beautiful Hand-painted Cameo
• Cameo with a lovely profile
• A signed cameo that will be a Great Investment
• A gift that is sure to be a Family Heirloom

Russian Handpainted Gemstone Cameos:

Example of Russian Hand-painted Carnelian Gemstone Cameo

We will be adding new information and updating this Guide in the future.

Our sincere wish is that this Cameo Heirloom information has been helpful to everyone that takes the time to read it.

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