Cameos are perhaps the most sought after pieces of jewelry in the vintage world. While fine cameos are certainly sought after, the depth of the collector's pocket determines what they can actually acquire -vs- what they can merely drool over. Fortunately, cameos come in a broad range of prices making it possible for all collectors to obtain some degree of satisfaction.
Many materials are used to make cameos: alabaster, shell, porcelain, metal, coral, lava, ivory and plastic to name a few. To the purist, a cameo is only a cameo if it is a carved relief image, but many collectors and creators of vintage and vintage-inspired jewelry enjoy portrait style pieces where an image is painted or transferred upon porcelain, glass or plastic. Intaglio is also a form of cameo, where the image is created in reverse, impressed into glass or lucite from the back, sometimes painted or glazed, and visible from the front. A cameo with an added setting of a precious or semi-precious stone is referred to as 'habille' and are especially sought after.
Cameos of beautiful women are most common, with angels, mythological characters and children also common. Whether placed into a simple setting of gold or an ornate setting encrusted with stones, a cameo speaks of class and refinement and were the favorite adornment of the Victorians.
Wikipedia has a good article about cameos that's worth reading - check out the gorgeous Roman 27 B.C. eagle cameo! Search the
Etsy Vintage Team for a variety of beautiful cameo jewelry.
