Cameo Jewelry from Italy
Handcrafted in Italy
Italian cameo pendant and jewelry as pin, necklace, adjustable rings, earrings and lockets are proudly handmade in Italy with love using the traditional intaglio cameo techniques. Since 1934 EREDI JOVON sale point is located on the Rialto bridge in Venice where you can still meet the owner GABRIELLA and her sons Marco and Alessio. They'll be glad to show you the Museum pieces that made this family so famous for cameo jewelry. "I'll be happy to show you the handmade job that our grandfather and our father taught us respectful of Italian tradition for 3 generations" (Marco Jovon)
Handmade for you
Each of our jewelry pieces is unique and handcrafted because the silver or gold mounts of our cameos individually engraved by skilled artisans (often artists who want to pass on this dying art) are made completely by hand.
The unique materials of your Cameo Pendant
Traditional cameos are made by carving a shell and exploiting the color difference of its layers: thus we will have the cameo on carnelian shell (Cassis Rufa) with its pink color standing out against a peach background, and the sardonyx shell (Cassis Madascariensis) where white towers over a dark brown background.
Of course, these are not the only possible options for engraving a true “Made in Italy” cameo because there are many other materials that can be used profitably: other shells, hard stones (such as blue agate), coral, turquoise, lapis and malachite
Our Cameo Necklace Collection
Cameo pendants are all different! We can offer you a wide range of piece of art
In fact, each jewel is hand-engraved and for this reason is unique and inimitable. But there is so much more!
In fact, the imagination of Venice's master goldsmiths allows us to offer you gold cameo pendants that are always different in terms of engraved subject, carving material, size of the work and mounting styles.
We can offer you the iconic female image of the “Grace of Venice,” a romantic rose, Botticelli's Venus, a mother guarding her child, or an angel who will protect you. Our pendants, in the larger sizes will also have the option of being used as a brooch and as a clasp for your pearl necklace (thanks to Eredi Jovon's patented system). For settings you can choose the simple and iconic Venetian rope, the minimalist “English” style, or the evergreen burnished filigree.
Types of Cameo Necklace
The cameos we offer can be different depending on the style, el design, and historical period they belong to.
Here in our catalog you will find cameos for everyday use (at work or on an outing) or special jewelry to take with you to an evening at the theater or a special reunion with your old school friends. You will also be able to find some hidden gems such as our antique Victorian cameos that are very rare nowadays.
The Style You Want for Your Cameo
A gold cameo necklace can thus range from the classic Victorian outline that often depicts allegorical images of the goddess of flowers (Flora) or springtime to Neoclassical patterns (such as the putti in Pompeii's frescoes) or images inspired by art Noveau. There is also no shortage of modern and contemporary pendants with agate cameos or the ultimate in luxury available: one of our customized cameos from your own photograph or idea!
Choosing the Perfect Cameo Pendant
But how to choose the ideal cameo necklace?
Since 1934 here at Eredi Jovon we have been dealing in cameos, it is our family business. Over the years we have learned that every woman has her own style, and every woman will choose the cameo that is unique and special to her. For the career woman with light complexion we suggest a modern blue agate cameo that will pair well with your jeans during a walk in an art city or with your white shirt during a business meeting. For the romantic lady a gold cameo necklace with a traditional shell piece of art is a must because she will be proud to wear not only a piece of jewelry but also the Italian tradition and history of the craftsman who created her special jewelry making it a unique piece. For the vintage-loving girl, our antique cameos will be an irresistible temptation and will be an opportunity for a topic of conversation with friends: “do you know where I bought this jewelry? I want to tell you its story!”
Care of your Cameo Necklace | Suggestions
I am often asked how one should care for one's cameo over time. In truth I would only suggest one thing: clean the mount regularly especially if you have chosen a silver set. Be very careful when doing this: acidic agents such as gold and silver cleaning chemicals could irreparably damage your unique piece of jewelry.
What about the cameo? Simply do nothing! In fact, time will give your unique piece an inimitable patina that will make your “sculpture” even more precious and three-dimensional. When storing it, prevent the cameo from being smudged by contact with other jewelry so use its box or a cotton cloth or velvet bag.
The History of Cameo Jewelry
let's talk briefly about Cameo History trying to discover the roots of this ancient art.
Cameo has its roots in ancient Egypt but formally originated in ancient Greece. Carved primarily from semi-precious stones to be mounted on "pater familias" signet rings, it became a symbol of status in the Roman Empire. It was rediscovered in the Italian Renaissance, and flourished in Torre del Greco with the use of double chromatic shells and fine corals. In the 19th century it conquered European courts and the taste of the Victorian era. Today it combines traditional craftsmanship and customization, telling stories of timeless and distinctive elegance.
Eredi Jovon a Legacy of Excellence
Eredi Jovon in Venice since 1934 offers the best selection of genuine real hand carved shell italian cameo and blue agate cameos usable as brooch and pendant in sterling silver or 18 kt Gold for factory or sale prices directly from Italy.Eredi Jovon in Venice since 1934 offers the best selection of genuine real hand carved shell italian cameo and blue agate cameos usable as brooch and pendant in sterling silver or 18 kt Gold for factory or sale prices directly from Italy. Frame and set in yellow gold or white silver are as well handcraft to obtain one of the kind conch-shell or blue cameo portrait directly from the producer and according your desires: at Eredi Jovon is possible to get a Customized Cameo made exclusively for you!
FAQ on Cameo Jewelry
Q: What does a cameo represent?
A: Cameos are often considered family heirlooms and are prized for their timeless beauty and sentimental significance. Giving this jewelry means wishing love, protection, good luck and tradition. Thus, cameo is a meaningful gift for various occasions.
Q: How to tell if a cameo is real?
A: An original, hand-made cameo, such as those made by us at Eredi Jovon, has delicate and detailed engravings on a smooth, slightly rounded surface. The back of the cameo should have the same slight curvature and the material should be translucent. For an accurate assessment, as we always suggest, it is advisable to consult an antique jewelry expert.
Q: Are cameos worth Anything?
The value of a cameo can vary according to the quality of its carving. Size and, generally, the type of setting matter little. In fact, there are exquisite cameos of modest dimensions mounted on humble metals. What truly counts, then, is the level of the carving and the artist who created it. Buying a cameo is a bit like purchasing a painting, where the most important thing is always the work of art itself.
