A cameo is a form of glyptography, or bas-relief carving, most often cut into glass, hard-stones, and shells. Artworks were crafted to create two layers on one piece of material, the top of which protruded from its background, creating a multi-dimensional artwork. These detailed reliefs were often used to adorn pieces of jewelry, including brooches, necklaces, bracelets and rings. The earliest cameos took inspiration from prehistoric petroglyphs, which documented important religious and symbolic iconography onto rock faces.
Despite its popularity in previous periods, the most well-known era for cameo collection was the 19th century, inspired by royal cameo collectors Queen Victoria and Emperor Napoleon Buonaparte.
The Grand Tour was a common milestone in the life of the upper classes in the 18th and 19th centuries. Cameos were frequently purchased as souvenirs and brought back to England to be set in brooches, rings, and pendants. Often, the subject matter would depict romanticized representations of indigenous people from the country visited. This beauty features the profile of a young Romani girl, complete with flowing locks tumbling over her shoulder, a kerchief on her head, a hoop earring and layered necklaces (we love it when our jewelry wears jewelry!) Beautifully carved and set in 14 karat yellow gold with four seed pearls and four lily motifs framing her, she can be worn as a brooch or a pendant with a convenient hidden bale. A wonderful piece, with all the artistry and illustrative allure any cameo collector could ask for!
Details (approximate)
Dimensions: 1.5"
Weight: 10.3 grams
Materials: Gold, Carved Onyx Cameo, Seed Pearl
Metal: 14K yellow gold
Marks: 14K
Condition: Excellent Antique condition commensurate with age and wear
LORL, LOE