02 Mar We Buy & Sell Cameo Jewelry in San Diego
Seen Above: A Black Onyx Cameo Ring Recently Purchased by C. Blackburn Jewelers of La Jolla
At C. Blackburn Jewelers we buy and sell vintage and antique Cameo rings and pendant necklaces. Cameo jewelry is a type of jewelry that features a raised design, usually a portrait or scene, carved into a flat gemstone. The most common gemstones used for cameos are shell, agate, onyx, and coral. The carving is typically done in layers, with the background of the design carved away to create a raised image.
The origins of cameo jewelry can be traced back to ancient Greece and Rome, where cameos were carved from hardstones like agate and sardonyx. The art of cameo carving flourished during the Renaissance, when it was popular to have portraits of loved ones carved into gemstones. Cameo jewelry remained popular throughout the 18th and 19th centuries, with many fine examples created during the Victorian era.
To create a cameo, a skilled artisan first selects a suitable gemstone, taking into account its size, color, and quality. The stone is then carefully examined to determine the best orientation for the design, and the design is sketched onto the surface of the stone. The artisan then uses a small pointed tool, called a graver, to slowly and carefully carve away the excess material around the design, creating the raised image.
The carving process can take many hours, or even days, depending on the complexity of the design and the skill of the artisan. Once the carving is complete, the cameo is carefully polished to bring out the natural beauty of the gemstone and to create a smooth, even surface.
Cameo rings are a popular form of cameo jewelry. The carved design is typically set into a metal ring setting, which can be made from a range of metals such as gold, silver, or platinum. Some cameo rings may also feature additional embellishments such as diamonds, pearls, or other gemstones.
One of the most popular designs for a cameo ring is a portrait of a woman’s head, which is often surrounded by a decorative frame or border. However, cameo rings can also feature other designs such as scenes, animals, or mythological figures. The choice of design often reflects the personal taste and interests of the wearer.
Cameo rings are often considered heirloom pieces due to their craftsmanship and longevity. They can be passed down from generation to generation, becoming treasured family heirlooms. In addition to their sentimental value, cameo rings can also be valuable investments, particularly if they are made from high-quality materials and feature intricate designs.
Today, cameo jewelry remains a popular and highly prized form of adornment. While traditional materials like shell and gemstones are still used, modern cameos can also be made from materials like glass and resin, allowing for a wider range of colors and designs.
To find out what Cameo estate jewelry C. Blackburn Jewelers currently has in our showcases, or to sell Cameo jewelry, give us a call at 858-251-3006 or send us a message on our contact form below.
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619-723-8589
Recent Estate Jewelry Buys
Browse a collection of C. Blackburn Jewelers’ recent purchases of vintage, antique, and estate jewelry.
Famous Cameo Jewelry of History
Portland Vase Cameo: The Portland Vase is a famous ancient Roman vase that is now housed in the British Museum. It features a beautiful cameo design in white on a dark blue background, and this design has been replicated in many pieces of cameo jewelry over the years.
Napoleon and Josephine Cameos: Napoleon Bonaparte and his wife Josephine were known for their love of cameo jewelry. Many pieces were made featuring their portraits or other designs related to their reign.
Wedgwood Cameos: Josiah Wedgwood was a famous English potter who also made a number of beautiful cameo pieces. His designs often featured classical figures or other historical scenes.
Queen Victoria’s Cameos: Queen Victoria was a big fan of cameo jewelry and owned many pieces. She often commissioned new designs and also had pieces made from antique cameos.
Princess Diana’s Cameo Brooch: Princess Diana owned a beautiful cameo brooch featuring a portrait of the Roman goddess Diana. She often wore this piece to formal events, and it has become an iconic part of her jewelry collection.
Grand Duchess Vladimir Tiara: This tiara, also known as the Vladimir Tiara, is part of the British Royal Collection. It features a number of large cameos depicting mythological figures, including Medusa and her children.
Hellenistic Cameo: The Hellenistic Cameo is a famous ancient Roman cameo that is now housed in the Cabinet des Médailles in Paris. It features a portrait of the Greek goddess Athena and is considered to be one of the finest examples of ancient cameo work.
The Three Graces Cameo: The Three Graces Cameo is a large, oval-shaped cameo that features a portrait of the three Graces from Greek mythology. It is now part of the British Museum’s collection.
