Traditionally cameo jewellery is something we associate with an era gone by. It is timeless jewellery that will never lose its appeal. Genuine cameo items can be expensive and so a market has opened up for cameo costume jewellery.

Original cameos are now antiques and were fashioned from the materials available at the time. These were shell, hard stone or agate, gemstones, coral, ivory, amber or lava. Cameos tend to be very well carved pieces and defined pieces. When they first became popular it was the lady who commissioned the cameo that was carved on the brooch itself.

Costume cameo jewellery is now made from durable materials such as resin. This material is easy to work with and ideal for use in jewellery manufacture. Cameos themselves are also a versatile
type of jewellery as they can be made into rings, earrings, pendants, bracelets and brooches. Using resin gives the added advantage of being able to add a range of different colours to the cameos and one particular favourite is a black background with a white cameo to the forefront. Cameos can also be set with crystals and faux pearls to add interest to the piece.

When shopping around for some costume cameo jewellery it is always a good idea to visit some vintage stores. Cameos that were mass produced during the last century shouldn’t be too expensive if they are made from Bakelite or something similar. Always do a little research before you go to make you’re not thrown in at the deep end!

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