A cameo is mostly oval in shape and is usually carved from only one material. It consists of a hand carved image in relief that stands out higher than the background. Many internet sites offer cameos for sale and items like pendants, brooches, earrings, bracelets and rings are all offered. The hand carved older pieces with their intricate craftsmanship usually offer more value than the styles of today.
Many factors need to be considered when buying such an item. Obviously those pieces that show more intricate detail in the carving are more valuable. Those who hand carve these pieces have to know exactly how to reveal the different colors and layers in the material used. Special precision tools are used to create the tiniest details. Modern pieces are mostly created using ultrasonic carving rather than being hand carved.
Heads of women are commonly used as subject matter. Other motifs used through the ages were romantic and religious in nature. In the Victorian era, portrayals of Greek gods and goddesses were popular. The more unusual the theme, the greater the value of the item.
Many different types of materials may be used in producing these items such as shells, coral, lava and stones like agate. By the Victorian Era, shell was most commonly used because it was easy to carve and inexpensive. Those carved from agate and similar materials are called hardstone as opposed to the softer shell and coral pieces.
Today molded items are made from plastic, glass and other materials in imitation of the real thing. It is often quite difficult to tell whether one is genuine or not. This is why it is important to deal with a reputable supplier and to have some knowledge of the subject yourself.
Examining the setting of a cameo can also offer clues as to when it was made. A white gold setting shows that it was made after 1919 as white gold was not used until then. Older ones may be set in brass, copper and silver. They may be sold both set and unset. If an item has a gorgeous setting, it tends to be more valuable, but sometimes the best carved ones have a very simple setting.
The condition is another important consideration as this can make it more or less valuable. Most of the really antique ones have hairlines due to their age. An item with chips or cracks is less valuable than one in pristine condition. Sometimes very small hairline cracks do not matter if the carving is in good condition.
There are many cameos for sale on various internet sites. They tend to vary greatly when it comes to value and price. Modern items produced using ultrasonic carving may be visually appealing but they lack the distinctive artistry of a hand carved piece. A hand carved item makes a desirable heirloom that can be passed down through generations.
Many factors need to be considered when buying such an item. Obviously those pieces that show more intricate detail in the carving are more valuable. Those who hand carve these pieces have to know exactly how to reveal the different colors and layers in the material used. Special precision tools are used to create the tiniest details. Modern pieces are mostly created using ultrasonic carving rather than being hand carved.
Heads of women are commonly used as subject matter. Other motifs used through the ages were romantic and religious in nature. In the Victorian era, portrayals of Greek gods and goddesses were popular. The more unusual the theme, the greater the value of the item.
Many different types of materials may be used in producing these items such as shells, coral, lava and stones like agate. By the Victorian Era, shell was most commonly used because it was easy to carve and inexpensive. Those carved from agate and similar materials are called hardstone as opposed to the softer shell and coral pieces.
Today molded items are made from plastic, glass and other materials in imitation of the real thing. It is often quite difficult to tell whether one is genuine or not. This is why it is important to deal with a reputable supplier and to have some knowledge of the subject yourself.
Examining the setting of a cameo can also offer clues as to when it was made. A white gold setting shows that it was made after 1919 as white gold was not used until then. Older ones may be set in brass, copper and silver. They may be sold both set and unset. If an item has a gorgeous setting, it tends to be more valuable, but sometimes the best carved ones have a very simple setting.
The condition is another important consideration as this can make it more or less valuable. Most of the really antique ones have hairlines due to their age. An item with chips or cracks is less valuable than one in pristine condition. Sometimes very small hairline cracks do not matter if the carving is in good condition.
There are many cameos for sale on various internet sites. They tend to vary greatly when it comes to value and price. Modern items produced using ultrasonic carving may be visually appealing but they lack the distinctive artistry of a hand carved piece. A hand carved item makes a desirable heirloom that can be passed down through generations.
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La Joue'l has some of the best deals on cameos for sale online. To find out more about us, come to our homepage at http://lajouel.net today.
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