Rare Cameo Rings

By Jon Kreps

The classic cameo is a design that literally goes back thousands of years; All but disappearing during the Middle Ages until the Renaissance rekindled interest in the ancient Romans and Greeks. Napoleon Bonaparte also played his part in the history of the cameo, making it very popular with the masses at the start of the 19th Century. To this day, cameo designs can be found on any type of jewelry, including:

• Pendants
• Rings
• Necklaces
• Bracelets
• Ankle Bracelets

Spotting a cameo is easy because it always features a classic portrait, typically of a woman, but its not the portrait itself makes a cameo valuable. It is common to find many of the newer pieces featuring plastic or glass portraits while older cameos will be made from rarer materials such as Coral or even bone. Attention should also be paid to designs made from:

• Agate
• Bone
• Abalone
• Ivory
• Shells
• Wood

Part of what complicates the entire identification process is the fact that plastic can be crafted to look like stone, shell, or any natural substance. At the end of the day, you will need to look closely at the portrait to see if it is carved or molded. Molded cameos designed to mimic a natural substance will often be noticeably lighter than the carved version. Carved versions are typically worth more, but some molded cameos made from Celluloid or Bakelite can actually be more valuable. However high quality imitation shell and other exotic knock-offs make it hard to identify authentic cameos. Cameos made from glass are easy to spot because you will find dimples, mold marks, or ridges from production.

Every carved cameo is essentially a work of art as it has been hand-made. Complicating the identification process is the fact that the specific features that distinguish a carved and molded piece will vary according to the specific material used to create it. A thin, concave back and very precise lines are hallmark features of carved versions. The thin back and precise lines are common to most carved cameos, but those made from Mother of Pearl or Abalone will actually have a thick, flat back.

Cameos carved out of hard stone will almost always command the most money. Don’t be fooled by a stone portrait that may appear applied or molded. Examine the junction between the plaque and the portrait. There will be a slight concave curve to the back of the portrait, creating a slight gap. But, be careful when purchasing any stone cameo as there are a lot of imitators out there that even collectors have a hard time identifying.

If it weren’t for the continued popularity of the cameo throughout history, the current market would not be filled with so many imitations. In fact, the greater the demand for the timeless designs the more valuable each piece becomes-regardless of its materials or age.

Jon Kreps is a jewelry expert specializing in vintage cameos, indian jewelry, and authentic costume jewelry. To learn more about cameos or other vintage jewelry, visit http://www.vintagetemptations.com

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By Blue Crockatt

Since cameos have been first made people have loved them & worn them. It makes such amazing jewelry that it just wont ever become outfashioned. It is certainly a mark of prestige for many & sophistication but anyone can wear a cameo. May it be on a velvet chocker or a stunning ring it just goes with any style. Now a days cameos are either hand sculpted from shell or other gemstone or molded out in many different materials.

When it comes to choosing between handcarved or not you will be confronted with different types of marketing pushing either one. Handcarved pieces of course are all unique, some ladies profiles (as you will notice) are not really perfect. You might end up with a little weird nose or chin and you will definatly pay big bucks for handcrafted pieces made out out of genuine shell or gemstones. Still, for many those are the real thing & they wont consider anything else.

If on the other hand, you don’t mind the material as long as it look good & is durable you will be pleased to find many at affordable prices. Those very detailed perfect cameos are being molded mostly out of resin. You will find them in a variety of sizes & colors such as blue, purple, violet, green, carnelian, black, pink & more. Those are durable & you always get that perfect profile in beautiful details.

Also the style is to consider, anything can figure on a cameo but mostly women are represented. Some have long wavy hair, other large hats, mostly young beautiful women with lots of grace. Also, flowers are a commun thing to find on cameos, may it be along with a lady’s profile or on their own. Roses are the most represented along with carnelians. Many animals are also represented like horse, butterflies & more.

You can also find your astrological sign with or without the sign’s inscription written next to the zodiac design.

For some great exemples of resin cameos visit the following link, you will find a variety of cameos to choose from with every item:

http://www.sterlingsilverart.com/index.php/cPath/37

All those may be mounted in rings, pendants, pins, earrings, bracelets and much more so there is a lot to consider when purchasing a cameo piece. Shop around & you will surely find many different styles & yours for sure!

Silversmithing artist knowed for her beautiful selection of handmade personnalized caduceus jewlery & much more!

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By Jon Kreps

The cameo design is indeed a classic in the jewelry world but most of us are unaware just how “classic” the design truly is. Carved agate cameos date all the way back to 300 b.c. in ancient Greece. However, it was not until the Georgian era (1760-1850) that cameo’s once again started to become popular. With the rising of the middle class during the Industrial Revolution, jewelry actually become a popular adornment for the first time in the modern era and cameo’s were certainly one of the more popular styles. The popularity of the cameo really took off after the ostentatious coronation of Napoleon Bonaparte in France. During the ceremony, he wore a cameo decorated coronation crown that set off a buying frenzy throughout Europe. Fifty years later in England, Queen Victoria further popularized the cameo and even designed a few pieces herself.

The core element of a cameo is an elegant portrait of a women set upon a flat plaque. You can find this elegant piece across a wide variety of jewelry styles, including: earrings, necklaces, rings, bracelets, pendants, and even watches.

Although the cameo features a classic design, it can be made from a wide assortment of materials, including but not limited to: abalone, wood, bone, coral, ivory, agate, plastic, varying shell types, glass, and layered hard stone. The value is often determined in large part by the material used to make the piece. This is why it is very important to know what to look for when buying a cameo based upon value.

There are two basic varieties of cameo on the market today: carved and molded. In general, the carved version is worth more because it is a one-of-a-kind piece whereas the molded cameos are mass-produced.

Molded cameos tend to be made from either glass or plastic and typically feature 1 or 2 colors that are swirled together. A molded piece will tend to be shiny and made from manmade materials. There are some instances where natural materials are molded to create a cameo but this is the exception—not the rule.

Plastic can be used to make high quality imitation shell cameos but the trained eye can spot a molded piece when you know what to look for. A molded piece will typically feature a roundness in the detail and definite lack of sharp or precise lines. To identify a glass cameo, look for the appearance of mold marks, dimples, or ridges on the back of the piece.

Carved cameos are indeed one-of-a-kind pieces that will almost always have greater value than their molded counterparts. The identifying features that distinguish a molded piece from a carved piece will vary according to the material used to make it. For instance, shell cameos are carved from a single piece of shell and will usually have two colors. To identify, a real shell cameo will have crisper lines and a thin concave back when compared to a plastic imitation. The only exception to the thin back will be cameos made from either mother of pearl or abalone which will be flat on the back and thicker—but still sharper and more detailed than the plastic pieces. Coral cameos will typically feature a single color and have a flat back.

Agate is another material that is carved to make high quality cameos. In fact, agate is actually a superior material to carve because the layers are clearly visible from the side and relatively flat so it is easier to produce the “two-tone” effect common to many cameo varieties.

Hard stone cameos are definitely more difficult to carve than shell, coral or agate—but they are typically worth more as well. To identify, the piece will be undercarved where the portrait meets the flat plaque. Now at first glance, it may appear that the stone is actually an “applied cameo”. But upon closer examination, you should be able to tell that it is stone by examining the junction between the portrait and flat plaque.

If you really want to get the best value for your money, be sure to know how to differentiate between molded and carved cameos. The most expensive cameos will be carved while some of the most eye-catching designs are molded. No matter which variety you choose, there is no doubt that a cameo is a timeless classic that will never go out of style.

Jon Kreps is a jewelry expert specializing in vintage cameos, indian jewelry, and authentic costume jewelry. To learn more about cameos or other vintage jewelry, visit http://www.vintagetemptations.com

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By Sher Matsen

There is something about a cameo that it truly captivating. Be it the attention to fine detail, the elegance of the portraits, there is simply nothing quite as beautiful as a cameo, and they never go out of style.

Cameos can be made from variety of materials, such as abalone, wood, bone, coral, ivory, agate, glass, plastic, various shell types, and layered hard stone which comes in a variety of colors.

Molded cameos are usually made of glass. They usually consist of either one or two colors. Often the colors are swirled together. Glass cameos are usually quite shiny. Molded cameos are also molded from plastic. The wedgwood style cameos were made from plastic. Plastic makes a terrific imitation shell cameo.

Older cameos were often made with celluloid using two colors. Occasionally, but not very often, natural materials are molded. One way to tell if a cameo is molded is to look for a roundness in the detail and a lack of sharp and precise lines. To identify glass cameos look for the presence of mold marks and ridges or dimples on the back.

Shell cameos are carved from a single piece of shell. Shell is soft, so it is very easy to carve. Shell cameos are usually two colors. Shell cameos have a thin concave back, with the exception of abalone and mother of pearl which are usually flat on the back and somewhat thicker. Coral Cameos are usually a single color, and also have a flat back.

Agate cameos are carved with the same technique that shell cameos are carved. Agate has one main advantage, because the carver is able to see the layers of color from the side and knows that these layers will basically be flat.

Stone is much harder to carve. A good hard stone cameo is often under carved at the junction where the portrait meets the flat plaque. At a quick glance stone often looks like an applied cameo, however upon closer examination one can determine it to be stone.

Amber Cameos are rather new to the market place. Amber cameos are carved from natural amber with the reverse intaglios being hand carved.

Practice will make it easier to tell molded cameos from carved cameos: Usually natural materials are carved, while glass and plastic materials are normally molded but could be carved though not very likely. Molded cameos can be two colors by the simple device of pouring one color into the mold in a thin layer and then following with a thicker layer of another color.

If you are buying for value distinguishing the type of cameo could be very important. However, if you are buying because you simply “love” the piece, then determining the type of cameo and the value are not nearly as important.

We suggest if you are purchasing a cameo because you want to add it to your jewelry wardrobe then choose what your heart falls for, just be certain you are not overpaying for what you are getting.

Cameos make a wonderful fashion statement! And they never go out of style.

Sher from Estate Jewelry International has been serving customers for over 20 years, providing fashion, jewelry, and wedding help. Please visit us at http://www.estatejewelryinternational.com/

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sher_Matsen

Sher Matsen
Level: Platinum

By Marcus Peterson

If you want an engagement ring that is unique and classy at the same time, you might consider giving your lady love an antique engagement ring. Nowadays, brides-to-be are showing their unique style and individuality by selecting antique and estate engagement rings. Many couples look at the future brightly by purchasing something from the past.

You may choose that extraordinary engagement ring from many fine collections of beautiful yet unusual and non traditional antique engagement jewelry.

A lot of women choose Art Deco and Edwardian antique engagement rings studded with sapphires and diamonds. Both these pearl and diamond antique engagement rings are evocative of the romantic era of the past. Old-fashioned filigree diamond engagement rings boast of exceptional workmanship and superior quality that makes it look good on any woman’s hand.

Also popular are antique engagement rings with eclectic gemstones, antique rubies and antique sapphires. Does your future bride like nontraditional colors? Then go for an aquamarine antique engagement ring. It is the perfect combination of modern and antique styles.

You should also look at vintage sapphire engagement rings that carry colors that match the skyline with a slightly violet hue. A typical round faceted, mixed cut sapphire gemstone set on an antique band weighs about .70 carats with four diamonds, two baguettes and two single cuts flanking the sapphire, set horizontally.

There are also antique diamond cluster engagement rings that have diamonds in a cluster pattern. The center diamond is usually a round modern cut, while the encircling diamonds are round single cuts.

Before buying the antique engagement ring, you might want to consider your budget and personal preference. It is wise to first visit stores selling these unique pieces of jewelry prior to the actual purchase. You may also visit online stores to save some time looking for that perfect ring to buy.

Engagement Rings provides detailed information on Engagement Rings, Diamond Engagement Rings, Platinum Engagement Rings, Antique Engagement Rings and more. Engagement Rings is affiliated with Bachelorette Party Games.

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By Jeffrey Wendland

For the teenager of today, casual sex and promiscuity is every where you look. You cannot open up a magazine, surf the Internet, watch TV or listen to the radio with out sex and loose morals being glorified. However, there is a counter movement to this in Churches and Christian youth groups across the nation.

More teenagers and young adults are choosing to keep their virginity until marriage. There is also a movement in born again young adults who were previously sexually active, deciding to abstain from sex until they are married.

This trend is due in part to such campaigns as True Love Waits, launched by the Southern Baptists in 1993 which challenged teens and college students to remain true until marriage.

A symbol that is worn by many teens and college students to help them remain abstinent and to express their Faith is wearing purity rings. These rings first became popular in the 1990’s and have sense taken off.

Typically the ring is worn on the ring finger of the left hand is to remain there until marriage. It is also popular to wear the ring on a necklace.

These rings both symbolize the persons wish to remain abstinent, they also symbolize a Faith in the Lord, Jesus Christ. The rings are an overt symbol of Christian lifestyle and the difficult decisions that can come with it.

The rings are popular with both boys and girls. The young men often wear rings with Crosses on them and the young women’s rings will have smaller crosses or words such as purity or true love waits.

Purity or promise rings are often given out in small ceremonies among youth groups. They are also given as a symbol of commitment between two people that have both agreed to wait to have sex until they marry each other. This is one of the most common kinds of promise rings, they are a promise between two people who are engaged.

The chastity promise ring is for two people who are not yet engaged, but wish to commit celibacy and monogamy to each other and wish to remain pure until marriage.

The spiritual promise ring is a promise ring in which the wearer makes a pledge to a higher power greater than themselves. These rings often display a Christian symbol like a cross, dove, angel or praying hands.

Another form of promise rings is worn by those who wish to abstain from substance abuse. These rings are worn for those who wish to remain sober and are worn as a reminder of their sobriety from alcohol and drug abuse, food addiction, gambling or sexual addictions.

Purity rings are becoming more popular with teens and young adults. For what ever reason they decide to wear their rings, it seems to be a good thing as long as they have pure intentions and the decision to wear the ring is an outward statement in their belief in themselves and a higher power which can help get them through any adversary.

The author is publisher of the Online Christian Shopper Christian clothing and jewelry Web portal.

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By Eric Hartwell

In the United States and United Kingdom, women traditionally wore wedding rings much more than the men. Times have changed. Both men and women now wear wedding rings as a sign of their fidelity to each other. But for valid purposes, some occupations or jobs prohibits the wearing of wedding rings while at work such as those working in the police force, actors and electrical workers. Some people remove their rings for safety or comfort especially if their fingers have increased in size over time. An alternative could be wearing a wedding ring as a pendant on a necklace which still translates to the same marriage vows where people wear the rings on their finger.

How Wedding Rings for Couples Started

It was not clear when the practice for both partners to wear a wedding ring started. What is known however is the introduction of a marketing ad aimed at its use during the late 19th century. But even then, it did not attract wide public acceptance and use. It was only after World War II when the practice started gaining popularity and by 1940, around 80% of weddings saw the exchange of wedding rings among marrying couples. This is indeed a big jump compared to only 15% who practiced it before the Great Depression occurred.

Various Practices on Wearing the Wedding Ring

One practice of wearing the wedding ring is placing it below the engagement so that to some, it means it is closer to the heart. On the other hand, other people wear the wedding ring above the engagement ring because the wedding ring supposedly creates a seal of the engagement in the marriage. Others opt to wear the wedding ring alone as this indicates its special meaning to their current life.

The Making of the Wedding Ring

Wedding rings are usually made of gold alloyed with copper, bismuth and tin metals to produce a harder product. Some rings may also be created from white or platinum alloys to give a different shine. Titanium has also gained popularity as a material for wedding rings due to its unique qualities. It is affordable, durable and it comes in a gun metal gray color. In recent years too, tungsten carbide with platinum or gold inlays were also used as a material for wedding ring. Other less expensive materials such as nickel silver and stainless steel has become alternatives for wedding rings. However, aluminum, are almost never used while silver, brass and copper are rarely casted to create a wedding ring.

Styles and Fashion for He and She

The most popular kind of wedding ring is a plain gold band which comes in varying thicknesses and karats. Women usually get the narrower rings while men are given a broader ring for their wedding. Other rings have designs on them such that when placed in light, the ring reflects them in various directions giving them certain sheen. The ring could also be a combination of white and yellow gold to give it a distinctive appearance.

Eric Hartwell oversees “The World’s Best Homepage” intended to be a user-generated resource where YOUR opinion counts. Anybody can contribute and all are welcomed. Visit us to read, comment upon or share opinions on weight loss and obesity and visit his associated site articles for free.

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