Cameo (/ˈkæmioʊ/) is a method of carving an object such as an engraved gem, item of jewellery or vessel. It nearly always features a raised (positive) relief image; contrast with intaglio, which has a negative image.

What is the significance of cameo jewelry?

A cameo is a small scene or figure carved in relief. This modern Italian word, meaning to engrave, is thought to have come from the ancient Arabic word khamea, meaning amulet. Folklore relates cameos mystic capacity to attract health and good fortune.

Is cameo jewelry valuable?

Inexpensive, mass-produced cameos from the 1940s are sometimes carved out of shell but set in brass. These are technically real cameos because they are made from a shell, and they are worth more than the plastic cameos, but they are still considered costume jewelry and thus are not very valuable.

Why is cameo jewelry expensive?

The finest, more expensive cameos are those made from semi-precious and stone materials. Agate is one of the most popular since its difficult to carve and requires significantly more talent to produce. Those made of stones will outlast the less expensive recreations made from shells or plastic.