27645(Please use this number referring to this item)
Item Description:
This is a beautiful vintage shell cameo with intricate carving and set in a rolled gold ornate frame 1-1/2". Rolled gold was used to reinforce the gold when the design was intricate. The top layer is thick gold while the under layers are mixed metals. The pictures do not accurately show the nice features and quality carving on this brooch. A very nice brooch for your wearing and collection !
The term cameo originally meant carving a design into a single material in bas-relief. They were usually done using shell, stone or other material. Indications are that cameos were first carved in the 15th or 16th century where the subject matter was derived from the Greek and Roman period. However, popularity flourished during the reign of Queen Victoria. Later cameos were mass produced and molded using celluloid, bakelite, lucite and newer resins. Popular now are laser made cameos because of their intricate detail and color combinations.
Intaglio jewelry is reverse cut from a cameo , cut from the back and sometimes highlighted with handpainting, enamels or other colored glass or gemstone.
To care for your cameo
Dust cameo regularly with a soft brush and try to get in all the nooks and crannies of the carving . Do not use a lot of pressure.
You can rinse a shell cameo with warm water, drying with a soft cloth. Shell cameos are easily damaged , so do not use soap or any other cleaner including jewelry cleaners.
Most Mother-of-pearl cameos can be cleaned with mild soap and water being careful to dry completely and polish with a soft cloth.
Always avoid drastic temperature changes especially with shell cameos. This can cause them to fracture.
© 1992-2008 Lee Payne
This Document was created using recycled electrons
