Cameo

Cameo is a form of carved gemstone or shell in which a raised image or figure is carved in relief against a contrasting background. The technique relies on materials with layers of different colours, allowing the carved design to stand out clearly from the underlying layer.

Cameos have a long history, with ancient examples carved from materials such as agate, sardonyx and other layered stones. They experienced major revivals in European jewellery during the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, particularly during the Georgian and Victorian periods.

Classical subjects, especially portraits of Greek and Roman figures, were particularly popular. Cameos could also depict flowers, mythological scenes, allegorical figures and other decorative subjects. Shell became a widely used material for more affordable cameos during the nineteenth century.

Cameos were incorporated into rings, brooches, pendants, bracelets, earrings and other jewellery. They could be set in gold or other precious metals and sometimes surrounded by pearls or gemstones.

Cameo should not be confused with intaglio. A cameo has a design carved in raised relief, while an intaglio has the design carved into the surface, producing an incised image.

At Weldons, antique cameos are appreciated for their carving, subject matter, material and craftsmanship, as well as the historical significance of their designs.

Technique: Raised relief carving
Typical materials: Shell, agate, sardonyx and other layered stones
Popular periods: Georgian and Victorian
Typical subjects: Classical figures, portraits, mythology and floral motifs