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