If you have ever taken a look at the paintings of the old masters – specially the ones that featured the lady of a house – you may find that a familiar piece of jewelry is quite often shown; today we know it as a cameo brooch but in the days of old it was a pendant that would have been part of a choker or long necklace display. The late 19th century is perhaps the time period most often associated with cameo brooches and pendants.
Those who like to resurrect this beautiful jewelry display today will often opt for the cameo brooches since pendant jewelry is not as commonly worn by many. Of course, purchasing cameo brooches may be a bit tricky and you will have to think long and hard exactly what you are willing to pay.
For example, a Gerry's cameo gold-tone brooch made of resin may sell for as little as $15 to $20, while antique cameo brooches may sometimes fetch as much as $500 or more, depending on the materials used. For example, cameo brooches that were carved from seashells are relatively rare and will fetch a stunning price. Thus, if you wish to have authentic pieces in your collection, you will have to be prepared to spend a bit more money than you might have anticipated.
Of course, more contemporary cameo brooches that are designed to mimic a vintage English cameo brooch will be by far less expensive, yet the trained eye will know that you are most likely wearing a reproduction instead of an original. While this generally does not deter many a jewelry aficionado, it is noteworthy since cameos are usually worn by those who do not just enjoy the wearing of a brooch or pin but instead enjoy the meaning and value behind it.
Another form of cameo is the one used for religious symbolism such as Christian and Islamic cameo brooch displays. These are quite often either mass manufactured or handed down within families from generation to generation. They may be given to the next generation at special occasions, or may be bequeathed at the death of the original wearer. Some very special pieces are also handmade in honor of a child’s birth and may be crafted to display the child’s namesake, who may be a saint or honored family member who may have already passed on. Thus, the tradition of the family is passed on to the newest member in picture form. These expressions of faith are frequently treasured to many generations to come.
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