Description

•  Earrings handmade from:
  Antiqued Bronze chain,
  Swarovski pearls,
  Antiqued Bronze French hook ear wires.
• Necklace handmade from:
  White hand-strung Swarovski glass pearls 5mm,
  Hand-mounted antiqued resin cameo,
  Antiqued bronze frame,
  Antiqued bronze chain,
  Antiqued bronze toggle heart clasp.
• Earrings approx. 2 inch/5cm drop. Necklace approx. 18  inch/46cm princess length, Cameo is approx. 2inches

What is a Cameo?
A cameo is a form of  carving  which  featured landscapes, portraits, and mythological figures cut into a variety of materials, but most often into shells. Cameo artworks were crafted to create two layers on one piece of material, the top of which stuck out from its background, creating multi-dimensional art. Yet many of the earliest cameos can be traced back to prehistoric petroglyphs, used to depict religious figures and mythological images on rocks. With the rise of the Roman Empire, cameo craftsmen began to expand upon their uses and portrayed political portraits into their artwork.

Despite its popularity in previous times, the most well-known era for cameo collection was the 19th century, inspired by royal cameo collectors Queen Victoria and Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte. Abalone shell cameos became quite popular under Queen Victoria’s reign. Similarly, Napoleon himself founded a Parisian apprentice school to foster the talents of young cameo carvers. In fact, the Swedish royal family currently owns the famous Cameo Tiara from Napoleon’s collection which he had gifted to his wife, Josephine, in 1809.

About this piece
Abalone carved cameos are beautiful vintage pieces of jewelry, not easy to find and usually very expensive. While not Abalone, this beautiful antiqued bronze color cameo is a very good imitation of the original, rich in detail and color.  And, the small pearl dangles add something special.  This set is super stylish and comfortable enough to wear all day. Add in the gorgeous pearl earrings and you have a vintage look with a modern twist.

Here’s hoping you will love this heirloom piece!

“Just like a flower, her beauty radiates to the morning sun.”
-Annonymous

(All of my jewelry is handmade and as such, no two are exactly the same. Items may appear slightly different in person. Each item is beautifully different.)