How is a cameo carved from a conch shell?
The carver selects a section of the conch shell and determines where the layers of color are. Then the carver creates a design just for that particular shell that will reveal the colored layers as it is carved, making the finished cameo three-dimensional. After the cameo is carved, it will be polished by hand.
Where do most carnelian shell cameos come from?
Most carnelian shells originate in West Africa. Cameos carved from carnelian shell may be reddish-brown, peach or orange. The most costly cameos are those which are carved from the sardonyx shell. The sardonyx shell has a thick outer wall and a dark brown interior.
Is the face on a cameo made of shell?
The most popular motif for a cameo carved from shell is the face of a woman. So, when you see a woman’s face on a cameo, you may deduce that it is made of shell. However, in recent years, China has been able to manufacture fake cameos made of plastic which have the feel of shell.
Where did the tradition of wearing cameos come from?
This was most likely because cameos carved from shell were considered more informal than the cameos which were carved from gemstone material and women could wear them everyday! The tradition began in the fifteenth or sixteenth century and was popularized by Queen Victoria of England.
Where do they get the shells for cameos?
Conch shells provide the carving material for the cameo cutters of Torre del Greco, Italy, the main manufacturing city for shell cameos. The shells from which these cameos are produced are found in the Torresi waters, the Bahamas, in the Caribbean, Central America, and in the waters off East Africa, (particularly in Madagascar).
What kind of stone are cameos made out of?
Cameos are often carved from shell, hardstone and even glass. Faces provide clues to age and materials. Learn the history of cameo jewelry and what makes some cameos more desirable than others.
What should you know about antique cameo jewelry?
“10 Things You Should Know…” Welcome to our gallery of Antique Cameos where you will find hundreds of cameos from all over the world. We have many types of cameo jewelry here on cameojewelry.com Most of these cameos, but not all, are carved from shell found in the Caribbean. And most were carved in Italy.
Which is the most expensive type of cameo?
The most costly cameos are those which are carved from the sardonyx shell. The sardonyx shell has a thick outer wall and a dark brown interior. When it is carved it often resembles marble, hence the higher price of its cameos.
