Cameo

A genuine cameo is a carving in relief done on a naturally occurring substance which contains different coloured layers. The carving must incorporate the contrasting layers in different aspects of the design. The carvings must de bone by hand. Cameo defines the work that has been done, not the material on which it was done. All shell-cameos must be hand crafted because the shell presents an uneven surface usuitable for a machine-cut engraving. In addition to this, the shell would easily break under ultrasonic sounds. The most suitable shells for the manufacturing of cameos are Cassis Rufa, also known as 'Cornelian Helmet' and Cassis Madagascariensis, generally known as 'Sardonic Helmet'. The two major styles of engraving are: 'intaglio', where the carving or sculpture is done below, or into, the surface of the stone and 'relief' where the design projects outwards from the stone's background. Through the ages most cameos were mounted to be utilised as jewellery. Throughout the centuries cameos were commissioned by emperors, acquired by kings and cherished by collectors. The original purpose of cameos is lost in history, with the original intent of individual pieces known only to the craftsmen who carved them. What is known is that of the countless ancient examples of the sculptor's and carver's craft, none offers such a unique window through which to view the cultural past. Cameos reveal the manners, customs, philosophies, historic events and social occasions that have marked our past. The ancient cameos were intended as statements and served also as an amulet, a talisman, a storyboard depicting ethics and morals, a tangible affirmation of one's faith and a reflection of one's destiny. The art of cameo carving is thought to have originated in ancient Greece and ancient Rome. Through the ages, the centres of cameo cutting remained in Italy and, in fact, the majority of today's cameo artists still reside in Italy and are concentrated, mostly, in the small city of Torre del Greco, this city is situated at the foot of the legendary volcano Vesuvius, overlooking the Bay of Naples.