Cameo is a method of carving, or an object such as an engraved gem, item of jewellery or vessel made in this manner. It nearly always features a raised (positive) relief image; contrast with intaglio, which has a negative image. Ancient and Renaissance cameos were made from semi-precious gemstones, especially the various types of onyx and agate. In modern work, shell and glass are more common.
|
|
| Since the late 19th century, the species most used in good quality cameos has been Cypraecassis rufa, the bullmouth helmet, the shell of which can be up to 6 inches long. Modern sources for this shell are Madagascar and South Africa. The most highly prized shell for carving is the emperor helmet shell, Cassis madagascariensis. This shell has white and dark brown layers and is known as sardonyx shell, and looks similar to the layered agate known as sardonyx. |
|
|
Gemstone 
