The original defintition of a cameo is described as "a carving in relief on a naturally occuring substance"which contains different colored layers.The carving must incorporate the contrasting layers in different aspects of the design;most commonly by differentiating between the background and the foreground.The carvings must be done by hand.According to the free-dictionary(on-line)the definition includes "a medallion with a profile cut in raised relief."
Todays definition of cameos includes intaglios as well.
The cameos in the picture are Vintage made from pine resin,and handcarved using dentist's tools by HEIDI LEE.
The most popular cameos today are carved in sea shells,a tradition that begun in the fifiteen or sixteen century and was popularized by Queen Victoria of England.Since that time,cameos have predominantly showcased women's profile,and been worned by women who enjoy the beauty and craftmanship of hand-carved cameos.
The birthplace of cameo was nearly 300 years before the birth of Christ in Alexandria,Egypt,cameos owe their origin to ancient carving traditions.As far back as 15000 B.C,petroglyphs,figures carved into rocks-were used to record significant events and communicate information.About.com
The carved shell cameo shown above depicting a Victorian Lady .
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