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.
The more unusual the subject matter on a cameo, the greater the value. The heads of women are most commonly used and they have the least value. Portraits of men are more valuable. Portraits are not the only motifs used and religious themes, romantic scenes and portrayals of myths are also found as well as nature scenes with figures and animals.
These pieces are made from a variety of different materials such as shell, lava, ivory and stone. The type of material used can help identify the era when it was made. For example, during the Victorian Era, shell was often used because it was easy to carve and quite inexpensive. Jet was popular during the 19th century. The use of agate produced many extraordinary specimens as the colorful layers could be well utilized by the carvers.
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.
Items without settings may be bought at reasonable prices. Many different settings were used through the ages and the type of setting has some effect on the price. The setting can also help to identify in what era the piece was produced. Sometimes, an exquisitely carved piece in a brass setting may be of more value than a less detailed carved piece in a more costly 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.
The more unusual the subject matter on a cameo, the greater the value. The heads of women are most commonly used and they have the least value. Portraits of men are more valuable. Portraits are not the only motifs used and religious themes, romantic scenes and portrayals of myths are also found as well as nature scenes with figures and animals.
These pieces are made from a variety of different materials such as shell, lava, ivory and stone. The type of material used can help identify the era when it was made. For example, during the Victorian Era, shell was often used because it was easy to carve and quite inexpensive. Jet was popular during the 19th century. The use of agate produced many extraordinary specimens as the colorful layers could be well utilized by the carvers.
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.
Items without settings may be bought at reasonable prices. Many different settings were used through the ages and the type of setting has some effect on the price. The setting can also help to identify in what era the piece was produced. Sometimes, an exquisitely carved piece in a brass setting may be of more value than a less detailed carved piece in a more costly 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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