Relevance of Cameos
Cameos have carried significant relevance for various cultures throughout history. They have been used to represent mythological and religious beliefs. Cameos also have been used to show status and prestige or to pay tribute and memorialize a person or event. Long before photographs were around to record moments, cameos allowed artists to make multiple, nearly identical images of one subject. Subjects could be living, a bust, or an event. Unlike artwork, cameos allowed talented artists to create wearable, hangable or usable pieces that symbolize whatever they chose to carve. They could mark these incredible pieces of artwork with small insignias.
As early as 1791, artists began marking their hand-carved cameos out of fear of replication. While forgeries did occur, they were more difficult to create because the forger would need to find a similar gemstone. However, a glassworks company owned John Tassie made plaster casts of early cameos. Then they would produce glass copies in catalogues for anyone to purchase.
The reproduction history of cameos explains why determining the jewelry’s value is so difficult. Antique cameos were only made for the wealthy using high-end materials. They were hand carved and can be extremely valuable today. Cameos made as reproductions were more easily accessible to the general masses. While reproductions also tended to be more durable, their presence decreased the value of their genuine counterparts.
Which cameos have the most value?
Hardstone Agate – Some of these pieces date back to ancient Greece or Rome. Many of these depict figures from history. The value of one of these cameos will be at least a few thousand or, depending on the rarity and the individual depicted, may have a value of five or six figures. Royals and nobles would give these portrait cameos as gifts.
Portrait Cameos – A portrait cameo is made in layered agate and has been created by a master artisan. The subject might depict a loved one, a historical figure, animals or an abstract design. The gemstone in a portrait cameo is extremely durable. Price is determined by size and the complexity of the image depicted.
Caring for Cameo Jewelry
Quality jewelry is an investment, and it won’t have much value if you don’t take care of it. Antique cameos are vulnerable to discoloration, which affect their value. Shell cameos can dry out and crack. This is why it is important to clean your cameos, to maintain their look and luster.
When you clean your cameos, wash them in warm, soapy water. Avoid using any abrasive cleaners or detergents, as these can damage the material, or ultrasonic jewelry cleaners that can cause discoloration. Soak the cameo for about 30 minutes, then wipe it down with a soft cloth.
When storing your cameos, make sure you wrap them in a soft cloth and place them away from any other pieces with edges that could scratch. You’ll want to oil your cameo a couple of times per year, preferably with an odorless and colorless mineral oil.
Cameo Jewelry in Fort Myers
Do you want to learn more about the cameo jewelry you were given or inherited? Are you interested in selling your cameo jewelry? Do you want to have cameo jewelry appraised? Do you need to determine if a cameo is authentic? Are you in search of antique cameo jewelry? Look no further than Judy’s Jewelry of Fort Myers, Florida. At Judy’s Jewelry, Sal can help you determine the value of antique and vintage cameos. That’s why we are considered the largest antique and vintage jewelry purchaser in Southwest Florida. Call us at (239) 481-9600 to learn more or visit our location at 12710 McGregor Boulevard in Fort Myers.
