How should I wear a cameo brooch?

Pin the brooch securely to the lapel of a jacket, the collar of a blouse, or at the neckline of a dress. Ensure the fabric is heavy enough to support the weight of the gold or silver mount without sagging. Position the piece so the carved profile faces toward the centre of the garment rather than outward. This traditional placement follows historical styling conventions for portrait jewellery.

What is the difference between shell and hardstone cameos?

Shell cameos utilise natural sea shells, typically displaying a white figure against an orange or brown background. They are relatively softer and commonly found in Victorian brooches and earrings. Hardstone cameos use layered stones like agate, offering greater durability and sharper detail in the carving. They frequently appear in rings and finer pendant mountings.

How do I care for antique cameo jewellery?

Clean shell and soft material cameos gently with a soft, dry cloth to remove dust and skin oils. Avoid submerging shell pieces in water or exposing them to harsh chemical cleaners. Store each item individually in a lined box to prevent the delicate relief carvings from scratching against other pieces of jewellery.

How can I tell a Victorian cameo from a later piece?

Victorian pieces often feature specific pin mechanisms, heavier gold or pinchbeck mounts, and classical motifs reflecting 19th-century revival styles. The style of the carved hair and drapery typically aligns with mid-to-late 19th-century aesthetics. Later Edwardian and mid-century items may incorporate lighter mountings, different metal purities such as 9ct gold, or alternative geometric framing typical of later decades.