How to tell the difference between a cameo and an intaglio

Cameos are one of the most popular jewelry forms. They often feature beautiful women, and are carved from shells. Vintage cameos have many different styles. You can also find Roman soldiers carved into vintage jewelry (usually for men's jewelry). 

Cameos 

Often made of shells, such as carnelian shell, the design is carved onto the shell, which is raised out from the shell. 

The design is above the surface.


Wonderful vintage cameo bracelet. Scroll work silver with several cameos. The center cameo is the largest.
Smaller cameos completing the bracelet. 

Vintage tiger's eye gemstone cameo, showing a Roman solider. These designs are more commonly found on men's jewelry. (Ring is 10k gold)


Intaglio

Unlike cameos, intaglios are carved into the surface, so the design is below the surface of the stone. The faces do not raise above the surface. 

Vintage clip-on intaglio earrings - black glass

Notice how the design is inside the glass, not sticking out of the cabachon. These earrings are gold-tone.
A two-tone 10k Roman Soldier intaglio men's ring. The face is carved into the metal, and does not raise above the surface of the ring
Another angle to show the face of the Roman Solider on the vintage 10k gold intaglio ring














Comments