A cameo is a hard, semi-precious stone, often agate or onyx, carved in relief so that the figures can emerge from their support.
The most common design in antique cameo jewelry represents the outline of a face or mythological creature.
There are usually two layers of different colors; usually the face has only one color so that it can stand out well against the background color.
Today, very pretty, cheap imitations are often carved from glass paste or mollusk shells.
Queen Victoria of England, in her time, popularized this type of jewelry.
A Brief History of Cameo Jewelry
Cameos have a rich history, with many different variations and meanings. Their origins date back to Egypt in 15,000 BC, where petroglyphs, or figures carved into rock, were used to record events.
Over the following centuries, these representations evolved and were reshaped according to trends reflecting the era in which they were produced.
During the reign of Alexander the Great in the 3rd century BC, Greek and Roman cameos depicted religious figures and mythological images.
It was also during this time, particularly in the Hellenistic period, that women wore cameos to show their willingness to engage in the act of lovemaking.
Throughout the Renaissance, Pope Paul II was known as an avid collector of cameos, displaying his precious and engraved stones on his fingers. Most of them depicted religious subjects and medieval sculptures.
Collectors of the 15th century, those of the Italian cultural and artistic period of the 15th century, began to appreciate and value antique cameos.
The Medici purchased these prestigious objects collected by the Pope. They were a powerful family that ruled Florence throughout the Renaissance and had a significant influence on the growth of the arts and humanism.
Buy a Cameo Brooch
We invite you to discover our wide selection of cameo brooches. You'll have the opportunity to choose from very understated designs or more dazzling pieces adorned with rhinestones or pearls.
Feel free to click on each item sheet to see the characteristics of each pin!
Adopt a piece of jewelry that's uniquely yours! Highlight any outfit with a heart brooch . This little gem of creativity makes the perfect gift for your other half!
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