What is Cameo?

Cameos are creations of stone, glass or other materials that has a raised relief figure on a background of contrasting color.  While cameo usually refers to jewelry, the technique is also applied to entire vessels such as vases, urns, and other works of art.  It also describes a “proof” coin, which contains frosted lettering in addition to the features of the raised figure.

Cameos are generally seen as necklaces, brooches or even rings.  The technique has been around since the early days of Rome but gained prominence during the rule of Queen Victoria of England.  There are two kinds of cameo, “deep” and “ultra” referring to the depth of the relief.  The “ultra” designation is used when referring to proof coins.

The aura surrounding a cameo is generally that of gentility, again a holdover from the Victorian era.  Due to the intensity of the labor involved, cameos were not mass produced until the late 1800’s and thus were very costly.  Only the wealthiest could afford them.  After the advent of the industrial revolution when machines began to do all sorts of delicate labor, it was easier and less expensive to make and own a cameo.  As more and more socioeconomics classes began to be able to afford things that were heretofore reserved for the wealthy classes, cameos still retained their air of sophistication. 

Like everything else, cameos have evolved over the centuries.  Different materials were used, new techniques were developed and demand waxed and waned.  But the cameo will probably always be popular, whether it’s for personal adornment or an item to beautify the home.