Don’t even think about buying a cameo before knowing how to tell the difference between the carved and molded versions. Carved cameos will appreciate in value while the molded counterparts will almost certain depreciate.
Determining the value of a cameo is simple once you know what to look for and the portrait is definitely the key. It is especially important to pay close attention to the materials used to make the portrait. But, complicating the matter is the fact that the cameo portrait can be made out of virtually anything, including:
Entirely complicating the identification of materials is the fact that both glass and plastic can be fashioned to resemble more valuable natural materials. The difference between valuable and cheap cameos almost always boils down to whether or not the portrait is carved or molded. Carved cameos are made from natural materials while molded cameos will be made from glass or more likely plastic.
Plastic and glass cameos will almost never appreciate in value so you want to be able to identify and avoid them. Mold marks and ridges will be present on the molded cameos. In addition, there will be weight differences (the cheaper pieces will weigh less than the carved versions) and a significant lack of fine lines and details making molded cameos fairly easy to spot.
Unlike their mass-produced counterparts, the carved pieces are one-of-a-kind. To tell the difference between the molded and carved varieties, it is important to know the features of both. The cheaper plastic versions can be spotted upon close inspection of the portrait and will feature few precise lines and poor detail. But be careful because while most carved pieces will have a thin back, those crafted from mother of pearl will feature a thick, flat back instead. Other valuable cameos are carved from agate, a layered substance which can be identified by its distinctive but beautiful two-toned coloring.
It is a great idea to look for carved cameos made from shell, agate, and abalone. However, you would be well advised to always keep your eyes out for those pieces made from stone—but be careful because glass imitators are everywhere!
So how do you separate the glass from the stone? Look carefully at the space between the portrait and flat plaque. Positive identification of a stone piece can be made if the back of the portrait appears slightly under-carved—perhaps even concave to the naked eye.
You really have to be careful when buying a cameo but there are some really great knock-offs that look just like the real thing—it all depends on what you are looking for. But remember, glass or plastic portraits are essentially worthless and can be identified by their lack of detail, low weight, and the appearance of ridges or mold marks on the back of the portrait. Just be sure to pay attention to the portrait, its lines, and the weight of the piece before making any purchase.
Vintage Costume Jewelry: The Perfect Mother’s Day Gift Or The Start Of A New Hobby?
Mother’s Day is just around the corner already but what do you get the person who already has the fancy watches, diamond earrings, etc?
Finding Valuable Vintage Cameos
Although people tend to think of the cameo as a Victorian design, the fact is that it dates all the way back to the times of ancient Greece. In fact, some believe the enduring nature of the cameo design may be due in part to a dictator named Napoleon Bonaparte.
Vintage Cameos: Know Your Stuff!
The cameo is perhaps one of the most recognizable designs in the world of jewelry with roots dating back all the way to the time of the ancient Greeks. However, while the design is thousands of years old, there are no known examples of cameo jewelry past the time of the Romans.
