Why are cameos so expensive?

Question

Is it because of the detail that goes into the carving or is the shell itsself rare? I'm jsut curious because I've always wanted cameo jewelry, I just can't afford it...yet.

Answer 1

Speaking from experience versus quoting an article, I'd say it is a combination of import duties on luxury goods, scarcity of the shell from which it is made, and the fine craftsmanship of the artisans who carve shell cameos.

Back in 2001, my wife and I visited a cameo factory between Naples and Sorento, Italy. The artistry on display was breathtaking. There was one whole shell on display that was easily larger than a basketball, it had been extensively carved with scenes from Roman mythology. Even at the factory, prices ranged from high to astronomical. I bought my wife a small pair of cameo earrings, ovals about 3/4" long with rhinestones surrounding them, the cost was near $100.00. And that was before Italy started using the Euro.

Another contributing factor is the rate of exchange between the US Dollar and the Euro.

There are many attractive cameo's made from synthetic materials that are substantially less expensive, and I believe the agate cameos are also less expensive than the shell cameos.

My suggestion is for you to start sticking a few bucks a week into your underwear draw until you have enough to purchase a cameo that you want. It will take a while, but you will have a work of art that you can pass on to your favorite granddaughter.

BTW, I like the looks of cameos as well.

Doc

Answer 2

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Answer 3

Cameo's - History and Creation..

Cameo is a method of carving, or an item of jewellery made in this manner. It features a raised (positive) relief image; contrast with intaglio, which has a negative image. The effect of "cameo" also refers to a proof coin that has frosted lettering and features, providing attractive contrast with the mirrored fields of the coin. The terms "deep cameo" and "ultra cameo" describe cameo coins having the boldest, most attractive contrast.

A cameo is usually made of two types of material, commonly precious or semi-precious stone. One material is carved into a figure, the most common type being a profile portrait of a person's head. This is then set upon the other type of material which provides a background of another colour to offset the figure.

Alternately, a cameo can be made from (banded) agate, where different layers of the same stone have different colours. Be aware that sometimes dyes are used to enhance the colours.

Cameos are often worn as jewelry. Cameos of great artistry were made in Greece dating back as far as the 6th century BC. They were very popular in Ancient Rome. In fact, just outside of Naples, Italy, cameos are still handcrafted today. They can be expensive as each one is carved by hand and take from days to weeks to complete.

Cameo Material..

Cameo's are created using Coral. The most prized and valued colors of coral are red, black, and pink, which is also known as angel skin coral. Coral is much softer than other gem materials and as such, it can be scratched easily. Coral is porous, which means it aborbs most anything it comes into contact and as such, you should keep any coral jewelry you have away from chemicals. The best way to clean Coral is with a soft (non-abrasize) cloth. The cloth may be moist however, do not use even the mildest of soaps to clean Coral.

Coral is comprised of calcium carbonate and its color range is from white to red. Coral is harvested by divers, as it grows in branches that look like underwater trees. This also explains why Coral is somewhat expensive, as the only way to get to the Coral is by diving the depths of the ocean in search of the various colors.

Much of the Coral that is sold is from Taiwan or Japan. In addition, Coral can be found in various aprts of the world. Coral is used mostly to create Cameo's and this would explain why Cameo's can be somewhat expensive. Coral is also used to product earrings, necklaces, brooches, rings and necklaces.

Answer 4

What Are Cameos

Answer 5

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