Antique Cameo Jewelry
This fine Antique Cameo, in gold mounting above, is a cameo master-piece! The cameo artist took his inspiration from a ceiling fresco by Guido Reni, which was completed in 1613-1614. The ceiling fresco, is a monumental work and measures 280 cm (110 inch) x 700 cm (275 inch), and can be seen in a palace in Rome by the name of - “The Palazzo Pallavicini-Rospigliosi” built by the Borghese family on the Quirinal Hill. The fresco like this Antique cameo depicts Aurora, the Greek goddess of the dawn as she leads the sun god Apollo on his chariot at break-o-day, bringing-in daylight to the world. Information on French Antique Cameo Can Be Found HERE... What Is An Antique Cameo?Have A Cameo Question? Click HERE An antique cameo is a carving made from a single piece of gem material many years ago and contains the added store of value of rarity and age. A cameo is the name for a relief which is cut so that it is raised. An Intaglio is the name for engraving with negative image, as used for seals. When a carving is successful, you will not be aware that color has been used deliberately to make the carving pleasing to the eye. Only after examining the composition of a cameo carving is the adroit use of color recognized as a primary reason, that the work of art is so satisfying. An oval white background can form a background for the design of the cameo, which may be a reddish color for example, of shell or carnelian. Classic Old Cameos often reveal scenes of classical history, depicted in the form of classical mythology. One of the most famous Antique Cameos in the History of Cameo is the Tazza Farnese. This famous cameo can trace its origins all the way back to 31 BC! The reason that the Tazza Farnese can do this, is because of the gemstone it was carved from - Sard Onyx, which is relatively hard on the Mohs Scale. The popularity of French and Italian Cameo Jewelry is not only due to their incomparable beauty and fine craftsmanship but also the fascinating Ancient Greek mythology that provides the inspiration behind many of the meticulously carved scenes. Cameo Buying Tips |
Cameo Carving motifs range from the ancient greek mythology to the romantic profiles or floral displays. If you are investing in cameo jewelry, have in mind that the much overused female portrait bust carved from a shell is not, unless unusually well carved, a prime example of cameo work. A beautiful pair of Cameo earrings, for example, will not only stand up to close inspection but they will also hold their own from a distance. The cameo jewelry market is Big and Climbing and there is a definite trend toward younger buyers with an eye for quality.
References: 1. Wikipedia 2. Museo Archeologico Nazionale ci Napoli 3. Zeitner, J.C., Lapidary Journal 'Color Basic to Carving' February, 1988. 4. Schumann, W., Gemstones of the World, Newly Revised & Expanded Third Edition, Sterling Publishing Co., Inc. New York. (First Edition, 1976) Photo Credit:http://www.whstarkhouse.org
Return to the top of Antique Cameo Return to Antique Jewelry Investor Home Page |
Click On The Ancient Egyptian Falcon Above To Start Your Jewelry Appraisal On Antique Jewelry Investor Today!
|
|
Sign Up For Our E-News