Fine Jewelry Cameos

Cameos are relief carvings that rise above the surface and are made on seashells, ivory, lava, or stone. Cameos usually feature portraits of women, but floral cameos can also be popular. They were worn by both men and women, especially in the Victorian Era. In some cameos, the woman in the design wears a piece of jewelry with a stone embedded. This is known as a cameo habille, or "dressed cameo." Be wary of imitation cameos made from pressed glass or plastic.