Cameo Technique

Cameo, a method of carving, is usually thought of in regards to jewelry but also refers to a proof coin.  “Deep cameo” and “ultra cameo” reference the boldness of a piece or the height of the raised portion.

The carving of Cameos in jewelry uses three materials: agate (hardstone cameo), glass and shell.  The most common cameo is an assembled cameo which is usually a portrait set on a background of contrasting color.  It can also be carved directly from a material such as agate which will show layers or banding, or layered glass of different colors. 

Cameos used to made from different shells such as mussel or cowry, helmet shells from the Indies or queen conch shells from the Bahamas.  These days most cameos are carved using an Ultrasonic Mill, which can process many pieces quickly and cleanly.  Although the master is usually hand carved by a skilled artist, machines produce the end product.  There are a very few master carvers that do hand-worked portrait cameos, one of the hardest challenges for a carver of gemstones.  Producing a life-like portrait takes years of practice and consummate skill.

You can see examples of cameos on bottles, soaps and our modern coinage.  Glassmaking uses the technique, too, and is the most skilled example of the art.  The glassmaker crafts multiple layers of glass decorated with forms all through the layers so it stands in relief from the surface of the glass.  The colored layers form contrast.  In order to achieve this effect, the glassblower must blow two, or sometimes many, layers of glass together.  This technique can be seen in glassware, bowls and even crockery.

Most of us think of jewelry when we hear the term “cameo” but it also refers to a brief appearance on television or movie screen by a well known celebrity.  Usually seen only from the shoulders up, the performer’s part is brief but memorable.