A cameo brooch is a pin made with a carved cameo, popular in the 19th and early 20th centuries. They are often portraits of women and can be made from various stones or glass. Cameos were first documented in ancient Greece and have been passed down as family heirlooms. Modern replicas are also available.
A cameo brooch is a brooch or pin that is made with a cameo, a special type of carved jewelry that was very popular during the 19th and early 20th centuries. In addition to vintage cameo brooches, some of which are quite valuable, many jewelry makers also make replicas. A modern cameo brooch often has a pin attached directly to the back that can be used to attach it to clothing. Earlier brooches were suspended from ribbons that were attached to garments and had a metal loop in their configuration through which a ribbon could be passed. Usually, a cameo brooch is the portrait of a woman.
A cameo is a carving done in relief, and is generally designed to have two colors. There are two ways to achieve this. The first is to use a shell or stone that has bands of natural colors. The carving can be cleverly designed so that the figure is lighter in color and the background is darker. In some cases, color contrast can be enhanced with the use of bleach or stain. The other technique is to use two different stones, or layers of glass, carefully gluing them together to form a seamless cameo.
Rings, bracelets, and necklaces can also use cameos, but the cameo brooch is a classic presentation of the form. Stones such as onyx, agate, sard, bloodstone, carnelian, and amethyst have been used to create cameos, and many Victorian cameos were made from seashells. Italy has been a source of cameos for centuries, ever since they became popular with the Romans. Italian artisans also make glass cameos.
The idea of carving stone to create art is probably one of the oldest art forms. The first documented cameos are from the 6th century BC. C., in Greece. Originally they were probably related to the intaligo, a carving used to make a seal. When pressed against wax or clay, the depressed design on an intaligo becomes a raised seal or ridge. Cameo jewelry from the Greeks spread to the Romans, and then through Europe.
In some cases, a cameo brooch is passed down as a family heirloom. A professional can determine whether or not the cameo brooch was hand carved and date it. It is also possible to purchase a cameo brooch at an antique store, but you may want to research additional information on this to ensure you are purchasing a genuine antique. Mass-produced modern cameos are also available for people who want the look of a cameo brooch without the expense of an antique. In all cases, the cameo should be cleaned gently with a soft cloth or jewelry brush, and you should avoid exposing it to strong sunlight or harsh cleaning chemicals. Wrap the cameo in a cloth when not in use to prevent scratches.
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