There are many cameos for sale today as pendants, rings, bracelets and brooches make a comeback on the jewelry scene. These items are very stylish right now and there is nothing more beautiful than a well made authentic piece. A cameo is usually oval in shape and consists of a carving in relief on a background.
Many factors need to be considered when buying such an item. Obviously those pieces that show more intricate detail in the carving are more valuable. Those who hand carve these pieces have to know exactly how to reveal the different colors and layers in the material used. Special precision tools are used to create the tiniest details. Modern pieces are mostly created using ultrasonic carving rather than being hand carved.
These items generally feature portraits of people or nature scenes that include figures, animals, trees and bridges. Portraits of women are most popular but those of men are more valuable as they are scarcer. Many pieces from the Victorian era featured Greek gods and goddesses from mythology. Religious and romantic themes are also found. Those with the most unusual subject matter are most desirable.
Many different types of materials may be used in producing these items such as shells, coral, lava and stones like agate. By the Victorian Era, shell was most commonly used because it was easy to carve and inexpensive. Those carved from agate and similar materials are called hardstone as opposed to the softer shell and coral pieces.
Plastic and other materials are being used today to create imitations. Sometimes these may look quite authentic and unless you have some knowledge, it can be hard to tell the difference. Some understanding of the subject and the use of a reputable supplier can prevent you from making mistakes.
These items are sold both set and unset. A wide variety of settings may be used and the type of setting can have an influence on the price. Gold plaited brass, silver, copper, jet and even tortoiseshell are all used and the material used can give clues as to when the item was made.
The condition of a piece needs to be considered. This is not a piece of jewelry that has more value if it shows signs of age. It should not have any significant chips or cracks no matter how old it is. There are those dated back to Victorian times and earlier that are still in excellent condition.
There are many cameos for sale on various internet sites. They tend to vary greatly when it comes to value and price. Modern items produced using ultrasonic carving may be visually appealing but they lack the distinctive artistry of a hand carved piece. A hand carved item makes a desirable heirloom that can be passed down through generations.
Many factors need to be considered when buying such an item. Obviously those pieces that show more intricate detail in the carving are more valuable. Those who hand carve these pieces have to know exactly how to reveal the different colors and layers in the material used. Special precision tools are used to create the tiniest details. Modern pieces are mostly created using ultrasonic carving rather than being hand carved.
These items generally feature portraits of people or nature scenes that include figures, animals, trees and bridges. Portraits of women are most popular but those of men are more valuable as they are scarcer. Many pieces from the Victorian era featured Greek gods and goddesses from mythology. Religious and romantic themes are also found. Those with the most unusual subject matter are most desirable.
Many different types of materials may be used in producing these items such as shells, coral, lava and stones like agate. By the Victorian Era, shell was most commonly used because it was easy to carve and inexpensive. Those carved from agate and similar materials are called hardstone as opposed to the softer shell and coral pieces.
Plastic and other materials are being used today to create imitations. Sometimes these may look quite authentic and unless you have some knowledge, it can be hard to tell the difference. Some understanding of the subject and the use of a reputable supplier can prevent you from making mistakes.
These items are sold both set and unset. A wide variety of settings may be used and the type of setting can have an influence on the price. Gold plaited brass, silver, copper, jet and even tortoiseshell are all used and the material used can give clues as to when the item was made.
The condition of a piece needs to be considered. This is not a piece of jewelry that has more value if it shows signs of age. It should not have any significant chips or cracks no matter how old it is. There are those dated back to Victorian times and earlier that are still in excellent condition.
There are many cameos for sale on various internet sites. They tend to vary greatly when it comes to value and price. Modern items produced using ultrasonic carving may be visually appealing but they lack the distinctive artistry of a hand carved piece. A hand carved item makes a desirable heirloom that can be passed down through generations.
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