About the Jewelry
ABOUT MY JEWELRY
My passion for cameo jewelry began when I was a child gazing at my mother's cameo ring, but the real passion began over 5,000 years ago when the Sumerians were inspired to carve gemstones into personal adornment. Carved out of shells, coral, and lava, cameos came back into fashion during the Renaissance, but were truly brought to the forefront in the Victorian Era. During a period called, “The Grand Tour,” (late 1700’s-1800’s) a new interest in the Classics was brought about due to archaeological excavations. Tourists from Northern Europe and the Americas traveled to Greece and Italy to experience artistic and archeological marvels. Not having access to photographs, they would take home beautiful cameos as souvenirs usually of portraits or mythological subjects.
I traveled the world for over forty years collecting these antique cameos as well as new reproductions made in places like Italy, Greece, and other parts of Europe. I have also scoured the United States collecting unique and eye-catching cameos. I have also always have had a passion for beautiful pearls and had acquired several strands over the years. I found a marriage between my cameos and pearls to be a natural union.
My one-of-a-kind antique cameo necklace product line features exquisitely carved shell, sardonyx, lava, or coral cameos of maidens and mythological figures set in white or yellow gold which are matched perfectly to a gorgeous set of real pearls. I work with cultured, freshwater, baroque, Akoya, or seed pearls and try to find antique or estate pearls when possible. I always note the size, quality, and type of pearls in the description of my necklaces, as well as a brief history of each cameo.
In addition to my new and antique cameo necklace options, I offer other cameo jewelry including rings, pins, earrings, and bracelets, as well as other cameo collectables. Cameos have always been wearable sculptures, tiny exquisite works of art, and I think it is time that they make a return to the forefront, something you can proudly wear every day.
Copyright 2010 Castle Cameo Collection: Cameo Jewelry. All Rights Reserved.
