Cameo: fashion jewelry

23 June 2020
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Delicate cameos now and then appear in the collections of fashion designers. Only some know how to combine such an accessory in their image correctly; therefore, they prefer to admire cameos from the side. But this is entirely in vain because an unusual piece of jewelry can become a real star of the image and turn a woman's appearance from ordinary to unusual and memorable.

Gemma, cameo or intaglio?

First, you need to understand the terminology. What is the difference between gemma, intaglio, and cameo? Gemma - carved jewelry made of gemstone or shell. To create such a decoration, a stone of the same color and a stone with a vein can be used - then the light of the image and the background will be different. Intaglio and cameo are varieties of gemma. We call an ornament an intaglio if the design on the gem is incised and a cameo if it is convex. Cameos are the most popular. Of course, it is not at all necessary to buy a product made of a precious stone; you can use jewelry made of high-quality plastic.


 

A bit about the history of the cameo

These jewelry were popular in Ancient Greece and Rome. They were used as fasteners for a cloak and neck ornaments and inserted into rings. In addition, this accessory could serve as a signet and be a symbol of its owner. The most popular subjects for cameos in ancient Greece and Rome were romantic, mythical, religious, political, and military.

The most famous gem of that period is the Gonzaga cameo,

which is now in the Hermitage.

This cameo is made from three layers of carnelian

and depicts the profiles of Ptolemy II, Philadelphus, and Arsinoe II.

On the territory of the Apennine Peninsula, the fashion for cameos has continued. Italian gems thundered throughout Europe and Asia for many centuries. At the end of the 17th century, there was a fashion to portray their loved ones in cameos, and in the middle of the 18th, everyday scenes gained popularity.

Now, in the imagination of many people, cameos are associated with the brilliant Victorian era. During this period, these jewelry became so fashionable that everyone wanted to wear them, but not everyone had the money to buy or order a cameo. Therefore, many artisans sold imitations of cameos made of wood, created paintings in characteristic images, or made jewelry out of paper! Later, a unique portrait was formed - the artist created the client's silhouette from a contrasting material.

With what to wear a cameo now?

If you do not want to look like a historical reenactor, cameos should be combined with laconic clothing. Avoid ruffled printed fabrics. Instead, add a few cute chains with discreet pendants to the cameo pendant, or combine the cameo with metal earrings in the same color as the cameo setting.

Here are some successful cameo looks:

  • Solid Color Sweater + black Pants + Statement Earrings + Pendant Cameo;

  • Collared shirt + strict sundress + cameo brooch;

  • Coat + plaid scarf + cameo brooch;

  • Dark jacket + cameo ring.

Collection of vintage cameos from our shop

We offer our customers an extensive collection of vintage cameos. You can find cameos made from seashells, gemstones, or plastics.

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