The cameo dates back to 6th century BC Greece, and were very popular in Ancient Rome.   It is a method of carving with a raised image, typically worn as a piece of jewelry.  Cameos have had periodic revivals in popularity, especially in the early Renaissance, Neoclassical France by Napoleon, and most notably by Queen Victoria in the 19th century.   It was also a popular item in Victorian mourning jewelry.  After Queen Victoria’s husband died in 1861, she went into mourning the remaining 40 years of her life.  She remained in full mourning garb for three solid years, and demanded that her entire court do the same.  Pictured above is a Victorian Mourning Cameo Brooch, at a modest $39.   

Resurrecting Victoria Bracelet  †  Victorian Bust Ring 

Grassy Green Cufflinks  †  Rose Necklace & Ring Set 

Electro Ring  †  Pride & Prejudice Necklace

Vintage Style Necklace  †  Pink Lady Ring 

Tags: cameo, jewelry, Victorian Mourning Jewelry

This entry was posted on Friday, December 26th, 2008 at 6:20 PM and is filed under accessories, Anachronism. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.

1. LushPunk Says:
   February 16th, 2009 at 2:34 PM

   umm… I didn’t want to do a self promo for fear of been shunned, but I make a few things using Black Rose Cameos:
   http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=20941089

2. Tsoutis Says:
   September 8th, 2009 at 6:18 AM

   Dear Madam / Mr

   It is rather difficult today found good quality in low
   price. I can create traditional Cameo Jewellery according
   Ancient Technology & Standards without using
   electricity & modern methods.
   You may visit our new Web-Gallery by typing in Google
   tsoutis.com, we hope get your reply …

   Thanks & Regards.

   Konstantinos Tsoutis
   Prasinos Lofos 107
   N.Iraklio – Attikis
   Athens
   Hellas

   Telefon: +30 695 7737507
   +41 079 8441683