How do I wear a antique cameo safely?

Wear cameo brooches on sturdy fabrics like wool or heavy linen to support the weight of the gold mount. Avoid pinning them directly onto delicate silks or modern synthetics that might tear under pressure. Store rings and earrings separately in padded velvet boxes to prevent the soft shell or hardstone surfaces from scratching against other metal jewellery.

How do I clean a shell cameo?

Clean shell cameos gently using a soft, damp cloth and lukewarm water without harsh detergents. Submerging shell pieces in liquid cleaner can strip their natural organic oils and ruin the finish. Dry the piece immediately with a lint-free cloth and keep it away from direct sunlight and extreme heat to prevent the shell from drying out or cracking.

What is the difference between shell and hardstone?

Shell cameos utilise natural marine shells which offer softer carving properties and warmer, translucent background tones. They dominate nineteenth-century brooches and larger wearable ornaments. Hardstone cameos use banded stones like agate and carnelian, which resist scratching and yield sharper, crisper details. They appear more often in rings and pendants from the Georgian and Victorian eras.

How can I date my gold cameo?

Examine the gold mount style, clasp mechanism, and frame construction alongside the subject matter. Georgian and early Victorian pieces often feature closed-back settings and high-carat gold, while late Victorian and Edwardian examples show machine-stamped galleries and lower gold purities. Signatures on the edge of the carving or maker stamps on the reverse can occasionally narrow down the origin to specific mid-nineteenth-century Italian workshops.

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A gold portrait cameo carries the weight of classical history carved into shell or hardstone, offering wearable art that collectors prize for miniature portraiture.

An Antique Enamel and 22ct Gold Portrait Pendant

18th century

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An Antique Enamel and 22ct Gold Portrait Pendant

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£895

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Gold Portrait Cameo

An Antique Enamel and 22ct Gold Portrait Pendant

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