Desirable And Affordable Cameos For Sale

Written By Admin on Selasa, 20 Agustus 2013 | 01.05

By Helga Stokes


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.

Heads of women are commonly used as subject matter. Other motifs used through the ages were romantic and religious in nature. In the Victorian era, portrayals of Greek gods and goddesses were popular. The more unusual the theme, the greater the value of the item.

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.

Today molded items are made from plastic, glass and other materials in imitation of the real thing. It is often quite difficult to tell whether one is genuine or not. This is why it is important to deal with a reputable supplier and to have some knowledge of the subject yourself.

Examining the setting of a cameo can also offer clues as to when it was made. A white gold setting shows that it was made after 1919 as white gold was not used until then. Older ones may be set in brass, copper and silver. They may be sold both set and unset. If an item has a gorgeous setting, it tends to be more valuable, but sometimes the best carved ones have a very simple setting.

A cameo is less valuable if it shows signs of age and any cracks or chips reduce its value. The condition of a piece often depends on the material used and the era in which it was produced. Most antique items have stress lines due to their age. The most important point is that the carving should be not worn.

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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