Italian Cameos-Miniature Masterpieces

The first step of the cameo fabrication is to cut out the cup, which is the part of the the shell that will be used. This part is cut with a water-cooled disc. The shapes of the cameos are marked on the inner surface of the cup, usually oval or round. An average size shell usually produce one large and 2 smaller cameos.

It takes a professional trained eye to discern each shell potential and determine how the shell should be cut. For example, three protuberances on the outer surface of a piece, may offer the possibility of three figure carvings.

Once the piece is cut out it is brought to the desire shape with a grinding wheel. It is then stuck onto a short wooden stick for easier handling. Next step is to ground down the rough outer layer of the shell until desired thickness is obtained.

Then the artist will let the form of the piece inspire him to find the subject of choice. He will then make a pencil sketch on the surface of the piece, and start carving.

When the design has been essentially roughed out, the hand the artist begins his hand carving with a series of different size and extremely sharp tools called burins. The design has to be realized at exactly the depth that the shell changes color from light to dark. By cutting to varying depths, the artist can produce the impression of transparent veils.

Cameos carvers use very sharp steel gravers with handles that fit the hand of the carver. With these incredibly sharp precision tools, the most intricate details can be obtained. In modern times, both shell and gemstone cameos can be carved ultrasonically.

When the artist is done, an exquisitely detailed figure stands in relief against the background of a darker layer beneath.

Some cameos in hard precious stones have survived from Persian and Greco-Roman times, testifying to their popularity in antiquity.

Shell cameos, however, are more recent. Mother-of-Pearl (Nacre, also known as mother of pearl, is an organic-inorganic composite material produced by some mollusks as an inner shell layer), was worked in France, Germany, and Flanders during the 14th and 15th centuries. Artifacts in shell seem to have been highly appreciated at the opulent and sophisticated French courts.

Voyages of discovery made during those years led to the influx in Europe of rare and exotic materials such as giant tortoiseshells, narwhal tusks, jade, amber, and strange seashells. This aroused interest in natural history and stimulated the imagination of able artisans, jewelers, and engravers.

It is during the 16th century that the conchs of the Cassidae and Cypraeidae families were found to be particularly suitable for cameo engraving.

The neoclassic period saw a revival of interest in ancient art, and during the 18th century, shell cameos prospered, despite being frowned upon by some as imitations because of the inferior value of shells compared with that of gemstones.

Cameos can take many shapes. The range of possible subjects is endless. Of course we have all seen the graceful lady's profile which is always a favorite, but cameos have still taken many other shapes.

Larger cameos, measuring up to about three inches, are used for brooches or pendants and can portray more complex subjects such as landscapes or classical compositions. the largest cameos reaching up to eight inches are sometimes framed or mounted on pedestals.

The value of cameos depends mostly on the workmanship and the care involved on the fabrication. the size is not the main factor as for the price of the cameo.

The craftsman of the cameo will never be produced by machines due to the irregularity of the material which has to be craft by a human hand. Because of these irregularities not two cameos can ever be the same. Yes, cameos are unique and delightful ornaments miniature masterpieces.

The best recipe to keep your cameos look their best.

Apply some toothpaste on a soft toothbrush. Place the cameo under running water to wet it. Remove it from the water. scrub the face of the cameo gently with the toothpaste on a soft toothbrush for a few seconds, and rinse while still brushing gently until clean.

Note: Rinse only with warm water. Do not use a hard toothbrush for it could scratch your cameo.