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.
The classic portrait featured on cameos makes them easy to identify, but some pieces are only worth a few dollars while others can command hundreds. Finding a cameo at most flea markets or online auctions is simple enough, but finding the ones that appreciate in value can be quite difficult. Cheap imitation pieces will be made from inexpensive materials while the superior pieces will be made out of better materials like Ivory or Agate and feature Gold or Silver bezels. Plastic and glass portraits are popular on cheaper pieces, while the more valuable ones are made from natural materials, like:
Part of what complicates the cameo identification process is that many man-made materials can be crafted to look like stone, shell, or any natural substance. Typically, the best and most valuable pieces are carved while your cheaper imitations will tend to be molded. Blended colors in the portrait are one sure indication of a molded piece. Carved versions are typically worth more but some molded cameos made from Bakelite can actually command a hefty value.
Exceptions on materials and craftsmanship always exist however, an avid collector would be best served avoiding a molded cameo. The trained eye can readily spot even the best imitation pieces-- rounded features and a lack of precise or sharp lines are hallmarks of molded pieces. By learning how to identify the less valuable reproductions, you can focus your attention on finding bargains on timeless carved pieces.
With the exception of plastic cameos made during the early 20th Century from Bakelite or Celluloid, the majority of carved pieces are more valuable than their plastic or glass counterparts. Carved cameos made from shell can be difficult to distinguish from the plastic molded versions. Authentic carved cameos made from shell will tend to feature a pair of colors and will be crafted from a single shell. Coral cameos are identified easily because they tend to be monochromatic and feature a thin, flat back and rich detailing. Carved cameos featuring a two-toned effect are typically made from Agate, a popular material among the Ancient Greeks.
Indeed, it takes some homework and time to really learn how to identify the valuable cameos. Knock-offs will often be lighter, have few crisp lines, and may even have mold marks or dimples on the back of the piece. In the end, value really does boil down to carved or molded. Investing in vintage cameos can be a great way to have some fun while building a reliable nest egg. However, never overlook the pieces that appeal to you most. Even though not all cameos bolster the value of antiques, they can still be wonderful additions to a growing jewelry collection.
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?
Warning: That Cameo Might Be Molded!
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.
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.
