Cameos Revived, Not Just for Grandmas Anymore

Cameos are more than jewelry, they are little peices of artistic sculputre.  Typically cameos are mainly relief (aka relievo, positive. 3-D, or raised above surface) style carved onto the surface of shells or stones.  Although similar carvings might be carved into amber and translucent stones as intaglio (aka negative, recessed, reverse design INside of cabochon or flat).  Although cameos are historical treasures and have been around for centuries as a favorite for antique jewelry collectors, a new generation is falling in love with them creating a revival for this jewelry design. 

Antique and vintage-looking cameos have made a big comeback in fashion with younger people.  Now they are etched into mother-of-pearl, inlay designs, or slightly carved into inexpensive stones for lower prices.  Some cheaper cameos are also available in resin or glass via a mold process rather than hand-carved.  The new artisan carved shell and stone raised designs include animals, scenes, or skulls in additon to the previous portrait, flower, or religious  designs.  With all the new materials, cameos now come in colors other than coral, white, amber, or black.  The cameo sizes have also changed from half-inch or 1-inch to as big as 3 inches in height.  Cameos may still be in silver or gold frames, but they also appear cut-out, wire-wrapped, or hanging freely without any metal other than bale.  Cameos no longer require an 18" chain to wear as a necklace, they can be extended from longer heavier chains, or a leather cord, or on a lace choker depending on the desired edgy or dressy look.  Brooches are not only put on the shoulder or jacket lapel, they adorn hats, waistlines, and handbags too.  Bracelets and rings have evolved too - bangles and cocktail sized. Cameos are no longer just for Grandmas, now they are true fashion finds! 

Cameos can still be expensive at storefront jewelers, which is why people are checking out shopping channels and websites for newer versions like those from Michael Valitutti (see video) of Canada with carvings from Italy or painted items from Russia.  Or the Scognamiglios family (see history below) of Italy.  Unless a cameo collector of vintage options, ebay searches and antique stores are the best options as auction house bidding typically goes beyond most people's budgets for fashionable jewelry.      

History of Scognamiglio Coral and Cameo Jewelry Designers - In 2007 the Scognamiglio Family celebrated the 150th ANNIVERSARY of the beginning of their business. 

1. Michele Scognamiglio (Born in 1815) was one of the first to start a small coral factory in 1857 in Via Purgatorio n° 112 in Torre del Greco.
2. Giovanni Scognamiglio (Born in 1852) continued the business very successfully. He invented a one piece coral bracelet which was patented and won the first prize at the “Paris Expo”.
3. Michele Scognamiglio (Born in 1875) was a physician and President of the Company heling expert father.
4. Giovanni Scognamiglio (Born in 1905) started to run the family business in 1930. received from the Public Authorities the honorary title of Knight of Labour.
5. Dott. Michele Scognamiglio (Born in 1939) married teacher and jewelry designer Marisa Scognamiglio. He was President of M+M Scognamiglio srl. where he modernized the business and the marketing procedures. He acquired two prestigious properties in New York and Tokyo-Ginza to be used as branches and showrooms of M+M Scognamiglio srl.
6. Giovanni Scognamiglio (Born in 1970) handled the legal side of the main company in Capri Italy.  Dott. Amedeo Scognamiglio (Born 1972?) worked as cameo carver and jewelry designer and took over USA branch of family business in 1997 moving to New York.  In 2002, Amedeo launched the ITALY CAMEO by M+M SCOGNAMIGLIO TV show on the HSN.com and has since won several designer awards and even featured in many design articles.  Cristiano Scognamiglio (Born in 1978) ran the family business at the Tokyo-Ginza branch and introduced coral jewels of styles more suitable to the younger and middle aged ladies.