Cameo pendants, brooches, bracelets and rings are popular items of jewelry once again, having made a stylish comeback on the fashion scene. There are a wide selection of cameos for sale, from more modern pieces to those going back to Victorian times and earlier. These pieces consist of a relief carved from materials such as shell or agate that stands out from the 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 are used with the most common being shell. Those carved from shell often have a rich coral color in the background and become an almost creamy white at the upper surface. Those carved from agate have a rich blue background with a milky white image. The materials used to produce these works of art are hard wearing and durable.
Some items produced today are imitations of the genuine articles and made of materials like plastic. Plastic can be confused for a genuine hand carved shell by an untrained eye. This is why it is important to learn as much as possible about the subject and to find a reputable supplier who can be relied upon to offer genuine items.
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.
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 are used with the most common being shell. Those carved from shell often have a rich coral color in the background and become an almost creamy white at the upper surface. Those carved from agate have a rich blue background with a milky white image. The materials used to produce these works of art are hard wearing and durable.
Some items produced today are imitations of the genuine articles and made of materials like plastic. Plastic can be confused for a genuine hand carved shell by an untrained eye. This is why it is important to learn as much as possible about the subject and to find a reputable supplier who can be relied upon to offer genuine items.
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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